In today’s second reading, the apostle James challenges us to express our faith through works. He stresses the “corporal works of mercy”: feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, sheltering the homeless, welcoming the stranger. Without such concrete action, “faith by itself, without works, is dead.” Strong and uncompromising words, which echo Jesus’ invitation in the Gospel to take up our cross each day and follow him!

Through what works will we make OUR faith real and living? Which actions will give most powerful expression to our fundamental identity? In our parish mission statement, we make this commitment: “We who choose St. Monica’s Roman Catholic parish, are challenged by Scripture and inspired by the Holy Spirit: to come together to celebrate in Word and Sacrament our faith in Jesus Christ; to recognize the dignity of each person; to appreciate the gifts each individual brings to our community; to celebrate the diversity that various small communities bring to our parish family; to work for Justice and Peace in our church and in society; to have a particular compassion for young, elderly, poor and disadvantaged people, while affirming the equality of all.”

This weekend, as we celebrate the beginning of a new pastoral year, as we bless our new front steps and pillars, let us renew our commitment to live our faith through concrete works of love. Let us make an effort to participate in our retreat day with Brent Walker this coming Saturday, placing ourselves in “the Way” of God’s love. Let us prayerfully consider, as individuals and as a parish community, how we are called to respond to the refugee crisis. And may we all be good stewards of the time, talent, and treasure our good and generous God has entrusted to us. More on this theme in the weeks to come!

I invite you all to read the letter written by the Most Reverend Paul-André Durocher, Archbishop of Gatineau and President of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, on how all the members of the Church can respond to the refugee crisis.