Sunday Mass - July 12, 2026

>> Good afternoon and welcome to St. >> Good afternoon and welcome to St. Michael's Cathedral Basilica. We invite Michael's Cathedral Basilica. We invite Michael's Cathedral Basilica. We invite you to join in the singing of all the you to join in the singing of all the you to join in the singing of all the hymns and acclamations of the mass. hymns and acclamations of the mass. hymns and acclamations of the mass. The numbers are listed in the bulletin The numbers are listed in the bulletin The numbers are listed in the bulletin on page three and they can be found in on page three and they can be found in on page three and they can be found in the blue hymn books in your pew. the blue hymn books in your pew. the blue hymn books in your pew. Please stand and join in the entrance Please stand and join in the entrance Please stand and join in the entrance hymn number 406, Praise to the Lord, the hymn number 406, Praise to the Lord, the hymn number 406, Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, number 406. >> Praise to >> Praise to >> [singing and music] >> [singing and music] >> [singing and music] >> the Lord, >> the Lord, >> the Lord, the Almighty, the Almighty, the Almighty, the king the king the king >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> of creation. Oh, my [singing] soul, [music] praise Oh, my [singing] soul, [music] praise him, for he him, for he him, for he is thy help is thy help is thy help and salvation. All All who who who >> [singing and music] >> hear, now to >> hear, now to his temple his temple his temple draw [singing and music] near.

draw [singing and music] near. draw [singing and music] near. Join me Join me Join me in glad in glad in glad >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> adoration. Praise to Praise to the Lord, the Lord, the Lord, who who who >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> ordered all things [music] >> ordered all things [music] >> ordered all things [music] so so so wondrously >> [singing] >> [singing] >> reigned. Shelters [music] >> reigned. Shelters [music] >> reigned. Shelters [music] me me me under his wings, yes, so gently under his wings, yes, so gently under his wings, yes, so gently [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] sustains. Hast [singing and music] thou not seen Hast [singing and music] thou not seen how thy how thy how thy desires desires desires have [music] been? have [music] been? have [music] been? Granted Granted Granted in what [singing and music] in what [singing and music] in what [singing and music] he ordained. Praise to the Lord who doth prosper Praise to the Lord who doth prosper thy thy thy >> [singing and music] >> [singing and music] >> [singing and music] >> work >> work >> work and defend and defend and defend thee.

thee. thee. >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] [music] [music] [music] >> Surely his goodness [singing] and mercy >> Surely his goodness [singing] and mercy >> Surely his goodness [singing] and mercy he daily he daily he daily attendeth. >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> Ponder >> Ponder >> Ponder on you on you on you what [music and singing] the Almighty what [music and singing] the Almighty what [music and singing] the Almighty can do. can do. can do. If [singing] with his love he If [singing] with his love he If [singing] with his love he >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> be friendly. Praise [music] to Praise [music] to >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> the Lord, >> the Lord, >> the Lord, oh let all that [music] oh let all that [music] oh let all that [music] is in is in is in me adore >> [music] >> [music] >> him. >> him. >> him. All that have All that have All that have life and breath come now with praises life and breath come now with praises life and breath come now with praises before him. Let the [singing] Let the [singing] >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> amen >> amen >> amen sound sound sound from from from >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> his people >> his people >> his people again.

Gladly for Gladly for thee thee thee >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> we >> we >> we adore him. >> In the name of the Father and the Son, >> In the name of the Father and the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. and of the Holy Spirit. and of the Holy Spirit. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the love of God, and the communion of the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Brothers and sisters, let us acknowledge Brothers and sisters, let us acknowledge our sins, and so prepare ourselves to our sins, and so prepare ourselves to our sins, and so prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries. I confess to almighty God, and to you my I confess to almighty God, and to you my brothers and sisters, brothers and sisters, brothers and sisters, that I have greatly sinned, that I have greatly sinned, that I have greatly sinned, in my thoughts and in my words, in what in my thoughts and in my words, in what in my thoughts and in my words, in what I have done, and in what I have failed I have done, and in what I have failed I have done, and in what I have failed to do. to do. to do. Through my fault, through my fault, Through my fault, through my fault, Through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault. through my most grievous fault. through my most grievous fault. Therefore, I ask blessed Mary, ever Therefore, I ask blessed Mary, ever Therefore, I ask blessed Mary, ever virgin, virgin, virgin, all the angels and saints, all the angels and saints, all the angels and saints, and you my brothers and sisters, to pray and you my brothers and sisters, to pray and you my brothers and sisters, to pray for me to the Lord our God.

for me to the Lord our God. for me to the Lord our God. May almighty God have mercy on us, May almighty God have mercy on us, May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to forgive us our sins, and bring us to forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life. Kyrie eleison. Kyrie eleison. >> [music] Christe eleison. Christe eleison. >> [singing] Kyrie eleison. Kyrie eleison. >> [music and singing] >> Glory to God the [music and singing] >> Glory to God the [music and singing] highest highest highest and on and on and on earth peace to people earth peace to people earth peace to people >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> of good >> of good >> of good >> [music] >> will. We praise [singing] >> will. We praise [singing] you.

you. you. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> We bless you. >> We bless you. >> We bless you. We adore [singing] you. you. We glorify We glorify We glorify >> [music] We We give you thanks [singing and music] give you thanks [singing and music] give you thanks [singing and music] for your great glory. >> [music] >> [music] >> Lord God, heavenly king, God, heavenly king, >> [singing] >> oh >> oh God God God >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> almighty >> almighty >> almighty father. Glory to God in [singing and music] the Glory to God in [singing and music] the highest highest highest and on and on and on earth peace to [music] earth peace to [music] earth peace to [music] people of people of people of >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> good will. Lord only begotten [music] only begotten [music] son. [singing] Lord God, Lord God, lamb lamb lamb of God, of God, of God, >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> son of the father.

You take [music and singing] away the You take [music and singing] away the sins of the world. sins of the world. sins of the world. Have mercy [music] on us. Have mercy [music] on us. Have mercy [music] on us. Have mercy [singing] Have mercy [singing] Have mercy [singing] on us. on us. on us. You take away the sins [music] You take away the sins [music] You take away the sins [music] of the [singing] world. Receive our of the [singing] world. Receive our of the [singing] world. Receive our prayer. Receive our prayer. prayer. Receive our prayer. prayer. Receive our prayer. You [music] are seated at [singing] the You [music] are seated at [singing] the You [music] are seated at [singing] the right hand of the father. Have mercy [music] on us. Have mercy [music] on us. Have mercy on us. Have mercy on us. Have mercy on us. Glory to God in the [music] highest Glory to God in the [music] highest Glory to God in the [music] highest >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> and on >> and on >> and on earth peace [music] to earth peace [music] to earth peace [music] to people people people >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> of good will. For you alone [singing] are For you alone [singing] are the holy the holy the holy >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> one. >> one. >> one. You [singing] alone You [singing] alone You [singing] alone are the Lord. You alone are the Lord. You alone are the Lord. You alone are the most [singing] are the most [singing] are the most [singing] high, Jesus [music] Christ, with the high, Jesus [music] Christ, with the high, Jesus [music] Christ, with the Holy Spirit, Holy Spirit, Holy Spirit, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> in the glory [singing] >> in the glory [singing] >> in the glory [singing] of God the Father.

Glory to God in the highest, Glory to God in the highest, >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] [music] [music] [music] >> and on >> and on >> and on earth peace to people [singing] earth peace to people [singing] earth peace to people [singing] of of of good will. good will. good will. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. Amen. O God, who showed the light of your O God, who showed the light of your truth to those who go astray, truth to those who go astray, truth to those who go astray, so that they may return to the right so that they may return to the right so that they may return to the right path, path, path, give all who, for the faith they give all who, for the faith they give all who, for the faith they profess, are counted Christians, profess, are counted Christians, profess, are counted Christians, the grace to reject whatever is contrary the grace to reject whatever is contrary the grace to reject whatever is contrary to the name of Christ, and to strive to the name of Christ, and to strive to the name of Christ, and to strive after all that does it honor. after all that does it honor. after all that does it honor. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the who lives and reigns with you in the who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, unity of the Holy Spirit, unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever.

God forever and ever. God forever and ever. >> Amen. >> A reading from the book of the prophet >> A reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah. Thus says the Lord, Thus says the Lord, "As the rain and the snow come down from "As the rain and the snow come down from "As the rain and the snow come down from heaven heaven heaven and do not return there until they have and do not return there until they have and do not return there until they have watered the earth, watered the earth, watered the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, making it bring forth and sprout, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower giving seed to the sower giving seed to the sower and bread to the one who eats. and bread to the one who eats. and bread to the one who eats. So shall my word be So shall my word be So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth. that goes out from my mouth. that goes out from my mouth. It shall not return to me empty, It shall not return to me empty, It shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I but it shall accomplish that which I but it shall accomplish that which I purpose purpose purpose and succeed in the thing for which I and succeed in the thing for which I and succeed in the thing for which I sent it.

>> The seed that fell on good soil produced >> The seed that fell on good soil produced a a a hundredfold. The seed that fell on good soil The seed that fell on good soil [singing] [singing] [singing] produced a produced a produced a hundredfold. You visit the earth and water it. You You visit the earth and water it. You greatly enrich it. greatly enrich it. greatly enrich it. The river of God is full of water. You The river of God is full of water. You The river of God is full of water. You provide the people provide the people provide the people with grain. with grain. with grain. The seed that fell on good soil The seed that fell on good soil The seed that fell on good soil [singing and music] [singing and music] [singing and music] produced a produced a produced a hundredfold. For so you have prepared the For so you have prepared the earth. earth. earth. You water its furrows abundantly, settling its ridges, softening it with settling its ridges, softening it with showers, and blessing and blessing its growth.

its growth. its growth. The seed that fell on good soil The seed that fell on good soil The seed that fell on good soil [singing] [singing] [singing] produced [music] produced [music] produced [music] a a a hundredfold. Your pathways overflow with richness. Your pathways overflow with richness. The pastures of the wilderness overflow. The hills gird themselves The hills gird themselves with joy. with joy. with joy. The seed [singing and music] that fell The seed [singing and music] that fell The seed [singing and music] that fell on good soil produced [music] on good soil produced [music] on good soil produced [music] a a a hundredfold. The meadows clothe themselves with The meadows clothe themselves with flocks. flocks. flocks. The valleys deck themselves with grain. The valleys deck themselves with grain. The valleys deck themselves with grain. They shout and sing together They shout and sing together They shout and sing together for joy.

The seed [music] that fell on good The seed [music] that fell on good [singing] soil produced [music] a [singing] soil produced [music] a [singing] soil produced [music] a hundredfold. hundredfold. hundredfold. [singing] [singing] [singing] >> [music] >> A reading from the letter of St. Paul to >> A reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Romans. the Romans. the Romans. Brothers and sisters, Brothers and sisters, Brothers and sisters, I consider that the sufferings of this I consider that the sufferings of this I consider that the sufferings of this present time present time present time are not worth comparing with the glory are not worth comparing with the glory are not worth comparing with the glory about to be revealed to us. about to be revealed to us. about to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager For the creation waits with eager For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the longing for the revealing of the longing for the revealing of the children of God. children of God. children of God. For the creation was subjected to For the creation was subjected to For the creation was subjected to futility, futility, futility, not of its own will, not of its own will, not of its own will, but by the will of the one who subjected but by the will of the one who subjected but by the will of the one who subjected it, it, it, in hope that the creation itself will be in hope that the creation itself will be in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and set free from its bondage to decay and set free from its bondage to decay and will obtain the freedom of the glory of will obtain the freedom of the glory of will obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.

the children of God. the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been We know that the whole creation has been We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until now, and groaning in labor pains until now, and groaning in labor pains until now, and not only the creation, but we ourselves, not only the creation, but we ourselves, not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly groan inwardly groan inwardly while we wait for adoption to sonship, while we wait for adoption to sonship, while we wait for adoption to sonship, the redemption the redemption the redemption of our bodies. of our bodies. of our bodies. The word of the Lord. >> The seed is the word of God. Christ is >> The seed is the word of God. Christ is the sower.

A reading from the holy gospel according A reading from the holy gospel according to Matthew. Jesus went out of the house and sat Jesus went out of the house and sat beside a sea. beside a sea. beside a sea. Such great crowds gather around him Such great crowds gather around him Such great crowds gather around him that he got into a boat and sat there that he got into a boat and sat there that he got into a boat and sat there while the whole crowd stood on the while the whole crowd stood on the while the whole crowd stood on the beach. beach. beach. And he told them many things in And he told them many things in And he told them many things in parables. parables. parables. Listen, Listen, Listen, a sower went out to sow a sower went out to sow a sower went out to sow and as he sowed, some seeds fell on the and as he sowed, some seeds fell on the and as he sowed, some seeds fell on the path path path and the birds came and ate them up. and the birds came and ate them up. and the birds came and ate them up. Other seeds fell on rocky ground Other seeds fell on rocky ground Other seeds fell on rocky ground where they did not have much soil where they did not have much soil where they did not have much soil and they sprang up quickly and they sprang up quickly and they sprang up quickly since they had no depth of soil. since they had no depth of soil. since they had no depth of soil. But when the sun rose, they were But when the sun rose, they were But when the sun rose, they were scorched scorched scorched and since they had no root, and since they had no root, and since they had no root, they withered away.

they withered away. they withered away. Other seeds fell among thorns Other seeds fell among thorns Other seeds fell among thorns and the thorns grew up and choked them. and the thorns grew up and choked them. and the thorns grew up and choked them. >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> Other seeds fell on good soil and >> Other seeds fell on good soil and >> Other seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain. brought forth grain. brought forth grain. Some a hundredfold, some 60, Some a hundredfold, some 60, Some a hundredfold, some 60, some 30. some 30. some 30. Let anyone with ears listen. Let anyone with ears listen. Let anyone with ears listen. Then the disciples came and asked Jesus, Then the disciples came and asked Jesus, Then the disciples came and asked Jesus, "Why do you speak to them in parables?" "Why do you speak to them in parables?" "Why do you speak to them in parables?" He answered, He answered, He answered, "To you it has been given to know the "To you it has been given to know the "To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, secrets of the kingdom of heaven, secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. but to them it has not been given. but to them it has not been given. For to those who have For to those who have For to those who have more will be given, more will be given, more will be given, and they will have an abundance. and they will have an abundance. and they will have an abundance. But from those who have nothing, But from those who have nothing, But from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. even what they have will be taken away. even what they have will be taken away. The reason I speak to them in parables The reason I speak to them in parables The reason I speak to them in parables is that e- seeing they do not perceive, is that e- seeing they do not perceive, is that e- seeing they do not perceive, and hearing they do not listen, and hearing they do not listen, and hearing they do not listen, nor do they understand.

nor do they understand. nor do they understand. With them indeed is fulfilled the With them indeed is fulfilled the With them indeed is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah that says, prophecy of Isaiah that says, prophecy of Isaiah that says, 'You will indeed listen, 'You will indeed listen, 'You will indeed listen, but never understand. but never understand. but never understand. And you will indeed look, And you will indeed look, And you will indeed look, but never perceive. but never perceive. but never perceive. For this people's heart has grown dull, For this people's heart has grown dull, For this people's heart has grown dull, and their ears are hard of hearing, and their ears are hard of hearing, and their ears are hard of hearing, and they have shut their eyes, and they have shut their eyes, and they have shut their eyes, so that they might not look with their so that they might not look with their so that they might not look with their eyes, eyes, eyes, and listen with their ears, and listen with their ears, and listen with their ears, and understand with their heart and and understand with their heart and and understand with their heart and turn, turn, turn, and I would heal them.' and I would heal them.' and I would heal them.' But blessed are your eyes, for they see, But blessed are your eyes, for they see, But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear. and your ears, for they hear. and your ears, for they hear. Truly I tell you, Truly I tell you, Truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous people long many prophets and righteous people long many prophets and righteous people long to see what you see, to see what you see, to see what you see, but did not see it. but did not see it. but did not see it. And to hear what you hear, And to hear what you hear, And to hear what you hear, but did not hear it. but did not hear it. but did not hear it. Hear then the parable of the sower.

Hear then the parable of the sower. Hear then the parable of the sower. When anyone hears the word of the When anyone hears the word of the When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, kingdom and does not understand it, kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away the evil one comes and snatches away the evil one comes and snatches away what is sown in the heart. what is sown in the heart. what is sown in the heart. This is what was sown on the path. This is what was sown on the path. This is what was sown on the path. As for what was sown on rocky ground, As for what was sown on rocky ground, As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and this is the one who hears the word and this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy. immediately receives it with joy. immediately receives it with joy. Yet such a person has no root, Yet such a person has no root, Yet such a person has no root, but endures only for a while. but endures only for a while. but endures only for a while. And when trouble or persecution arises And when trouble or persecution arises And when trouble or persecution arises on account of the word, on account of the word, on account of the word, that person immediately falls away. that person immediately falls away. that person immediately falls away. And as for what was sown among thorns, And as for what was sown among thorns, And as for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, this is the one who hears the word, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the lure but the cares of the world and the lure but the cares of the world and the lure of wealth choke the word of wealth choke the word of wealth choke the word and it yields nothing. and it yields nothing. and it yields nothing. But as for what was sown on good soil, But as for what was sown on good soil, But as for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and this is the one who hears the word and this is the one who hears the word and understands it, understands it, understands it, who indeed bears fruit who indeed bears fruit who indeed bears fruit and yields in one case a hundredfold, and yields in one case a hundredfold, and yields in one case a hundredfold, in another 60, in another 60, in another 60, and in another and in another and in another 30.

>> The Gospel of the Lord. >> The Gospel of the Lord. >> Praise to you, [singing] Lord Jesus >> Praise to you, [singing] Lord Jesus >> Praise to you, [singing] Lord Jesus Christ. >> It's been gardening season for a few >> It's been gardening season for a few months now. months now. months now. And for those of you who enjoy And for those of you who enjoy And for those of you who enjoy gardening, gardening, gardening, I'm sure you're very familiar I'm sure you're very familiar I'm sure you're very familiar with seeds and soil. Every gardener knows that even the best Every gardener knows that even the best seed won't grow seed won't grow seed won't grow unless the soil is ready. unless the soil is ready. unless the soil is ready. And that's exactly where Jesus wants us And that's exactly where Jesus wants us And that's exactly where Jesus wants us to look today. to look today. to look today. Not just at the seed Not just at the seed Not just at the seed but at the soil of our hearts. In today's gospel, Jesus tells us that a In today's gospel, Jesus tells us that a sower goes out and scatters seeds sower goes out and scatters seeds sower goes out and scatters seeds everywhere. everywhere. everywhere. And that's an important detail.

And that's an important detail. And that's an important detail. The sower doesn't seem concerned about The sower doesn't seem concerned about The sower doesn't seem concerned about where the seed lands. where the seed lands. where the seed lands. He just scatters it generously. And that beautifully echoes the first And that beautifully echoes the first reading from the prophet Isaiah. reading from the prophet Isaiah. reading from the prophet Isaiah. Just as the rain and the snow fall upon Just as the rain and the snow fall upon Just as the rain and the snow fall upon the earth the earth the earth without choosing where they fall, without choosing where they fall, without choosing where they fall, so does God's word. so does God's word. so does God's word. God generously sows his word and pours God generously sows his word and pours God generously sows his word and pours out his grace on everyone. And Jesus goes on to tell us that some And Jesus goes on to tell us that some seeds fell on the path, seeds fell on the path, seeds fell on the path, some on rocky ground, some on rocky ground, some on rocky ground, some among thorns, some among thorns, some among thorns, and some on good soil. Sometimes when we hear this parable and Sometimes when we hear this parable and think Jesus is describing four different think Jesus is describing four different think Jesus is describing four different types of people, types of people, types of people, but instead he's describing all of us at but instead he's describing all of us at but instead he's describing all of us at different stages of our spiritual lives.

At different moments in our lives, we've At different moments in our lives, we've all been each of those four soils. all been each of those four soils. all been each of those four soils. Hard soil in one season, Hard soil in one season, Hard soil in one season, rocky soil in another, rocky soil in another, rocky soil in another, thorny soil when life gets complicated, thorny soil when life gets complicated, thorny soil when life gets complicated, school becomes demanding, school becomes demanding, school becomes demanding, our careers are not going well, our careers are not going well, our careers are not going well, relationships become difficult, relationships become difficult, relationships become difficult, or we are discerning an important or we are discerning an important or we are discerning an important decision, our vocation. And sometime by God's grace, And sometime by God's grace, we are in good soil. we are in good soil. we are in good soil. But none of that stops the sore sower. But none of that stops the sore sower. But none of that stops the sore sower. The sower never stops sowing. As I reflect on my life, As I reflect on my life, for the first 29 years of my life, for the first 29 years of my life, for the first 29 years of my life, I wasn't necessarily in good soil. I wasn't necessarily in good soil. I wasn't necessarily in good soil. Not that I did anything bad. Not that I did anything bad. Not that I did anything bad. I just didn't grow up with any religion I just didn't grow up with any religion I just didn't grow up with any religion at all.

at all. at all. And after graduating from Western And after graduating from Western And after graduating from Western University in London, Ontario, University in London, Ontario, University in London, Ontario, I spent 12 years I spent 12 years I spent 12 years working at CIBC. working at CIBC. working at CIBC. My goal was simple. My goal was simple. My goal was simple. Work hard, Work hard, Work hard, build a career, build a career, build a career, and make money. and make money. and make money. And God wasn't in the picture at all. And God wasn't in the picture at all. And God wasn't in the picture at all. And I wasn't baptized until I was 31. And I wasn't baptized until I was 31. And I wasn't baptized until I was 31. And it wasn't because I had some And it wasn't because I had some And it wasn't because I had some dramatic mystical experience. dramatic mystical experience. dramatic mystical experience. I first began exploring the Catholic I first began exploring the Catholic I first began exploring the Catholic faith faith faith because I hoped one day to meet a good because I hoped one day to meet a good because I hoped one day to meet a good Catholic woman Catholic woman Catholic woman and build a family. And looking back now, And looking back now, I can see that God was using even that I can see that God was using even that I can see that God was using even that ordinary human desire ordinary human desire ordinary human desire to draw me closer to himself. to draw me closer to himself. to draw me closer to himself. I thought I was looking for one thing. I thought I was looking for one thing. I thought I was looking for one thing. God was preparing me for something God was preparing me for something God was preparing me for something entirely different.

entirely different. entirely different. And one day he led me somewhere I never And one day he led me somewhere I never And one day he led me somewhere I never could have imagined could have imagined could have imagined standing here today standing here today standing here today as a Catholic priest, I can see that he had been patiently I can see that he had been patiently planting seeds long before I even planting seeds long before I even planting seeds long before I even noticed them. noticed them. noticed them. And that's what amazes me And that's what amazes me And that's what amazes me in today's gospel. God never re- inspects the soil God never re- inspects the soil and waits for good soil. and waits for good soil. and waits for good soil. He wouldn't say, He wouldn't say, He wouldn't say, "You're hopeless "You're hopeless "You're hopeless or you're too sinful." or you're too sinful." or you're too sinful." He simply keeps scattering seeds. He simply keeps scattering seeds. He simply keeps scattering seeds. The sower never stops sowing. The sower never stops sowing. The sower never stops sowing. God doesn't love us because we've earned God doesn't love us because we've earned God doesn't love us because we've earned it or because our lives are perfect. it or because our lives are perfect. it or because our lives are perfect. He loves us because that's who he is. He loves us because that's who he is. He loves us because that's who he is. God is love. But of course, in our lives, But of course, in our lives, we know our failures.

we know our failures. we know our failures. We messed up from time to time. We messed up from time to time. We messed up from time to time. We know our weaknesses We know our weaknesses We know our weaknesses and we begin to think, and we begin to think, and we begin to think, "Maybe I'm just bad soil." "Maybe I'm just bad soil." "Maybe I'm just bad soil." But Jesus never says the soil cannot But Jesus never says the soil cannot But Jesus never says the soil cannot change. change. change. The soil may have rocks. The soil may have rocks. The soil may have rocks. It may have thorns. It may have thorns. It may have thorns. But it's still soil capable of growth. But it's still soil capable of growth. But it's still soil capable of growth. And that's why today's responsorial And that's why today's responsorial And that's why today's responsorial psalm psalm psalm gives us such hope. gives us such hope. gives us such hope. The seed that fell on good soil The seed that fell on good soil The seed that fell on good soil produced a hundredfold. produced a hundredfold. produced a hundredfold. That's God's desire for every single one That's God's desire for every single one That's God's desire for every single one of us. of us. of us. Not just that we receive his word, Not just that we receive his word, Not just that we receive his word, but that our lives but that our lives but that our lives bear fruit. bear fruit. bear fruit. None of us begins with good soil. None of us begins with good soil. None of us begins with good soil. But if we are willing to let God keep But if we are willing to let God keep But if we are willing to let God keep working working working in us, in us, in us, he can produce far more fruit he can produce far more fruit he can produce far more fruit than we ever imagined.

With that in mind, I would like to leave With that in mind, I would like to leave you you you or give you three simple questions to or give you three simple questions to or give you three simple questions to pray with this week. pray with this week. pray with this week. First, First, First, what kind of soil am I today? what kind of soil am I today? what kind of soil am I today? Not 10 years ago. Not 10 years ago. Not 10 years ago. Not even last month. Not even last month. Not even last month. But today. Maybe your hearts Maybe your hearts feel like a hardened path because you've feel like a hardened path because you've feel like a hardened path because you've been hurt or discouraged. been hurt or discouraged. been hurt or discouraged. Or you've drifted away from God Or you've drifted away from God Or you've drifted away from God for whatever reason. Maybe you are on rocky ground. Maybe you are on rocky ground. You receive God's word with joy. You receive God's word with joy. You receive God's word with joy. But when life became difficult, But when life became difficult, But when life became difficult, your faith didn't develop deep roots. your faith didn't develop deep roots. your faith didn't develop deep roots. Roots don't grow overnight. Roots don't grow overnight. Roots don't grow overnight. They grow every time we pray, They grow every time we pray, They grow every time we pray, receive the sacraments, receive the sacraments, receive the sacraments, spend time with God's word, spend time with God's word, spend time with God's word, and stay connected to the life of the and stay connected to the life of the and stay connected to the life of the church.

church. church. Those roots help us remain faithful when Those roots help us remain faithful when Those roots help us remain faithful when the storms of life come. Or maybe you are among the thorns. Or maybe you are among the thorns. Life has become so busy Life has become so busy Life has become so busy that worries, that worries, that worries, work, work, work, success, success, success, or all kinds of distractions have slowly or all kinds of distractions have slowly or all kinds of distractions have slowly pushed God to the sidelines. Wherever you are today, Wherever you are today, don't lose heart, don't lose heart, don't lose heart, and don't be discouraged. and don't be discouraged. and don't be discouraged. The sower never stops sowing. Second question. Second question. What are the thorns that are choking What are the thorns that are choking What are the thorns that are choking God's life within me? For some of us, For some of us, those thorns are those thorns are those thorns are could be habitual sins could be habitual sins could be habitual sins or bad habits. or bad habits. or bad habits. For others, For others, For others, they might be worries, they might be worries, they might be worries, resentment, resentment, resentment, constant busyness, constant busyness, constant busyness, or endless distractions.

or endless distractions. or endless distractions. Sometimes it's our phones Sometimes it's our phones Sometimes it's our phones or social media. or social media. or social media. And sometimes it's the pursuit of And sometimes it's the pursuit of And sometimes it's the pursuit of success. success. success. And success isn't wrong. And many people And success isn't wrong. And many people And success isn't wrong. And many people work hard to provide for their families. work hard to provide for their families. work hard to provide for their families. But if you are not careful, But if you are not careful, But if you are not careful, work, money, work, money, work, money, or our reputation can slowly become more or our reputation can slowly become more or our reputation can slowly become more important than our relationship with God important than our relationship with God important than our relationship with God and even with our loved ones. And Jesus reminds us today And Jesus reminds us today that these are the thorns that these are the thorns that these are the thorns that quietly choke the seed. And third question, And third question, what's one thing I can do this week what's one thing I can do this week what's one thing I can do this week to become better soil? Don't try to change everything at once. Don't try to change everything at once. Maybe just one thing. Maybe just one thing. Maybe just one thing. Maybe it's going to the sacrament of Maybe it's going to the sacrament of Maybe it's going to the sacrament of penance and reconciliation as a start.

penance and reconciliation as a start. penance and reconciliation as a start. Maybe it's spending less time on my Maybe it's spending less time on my Maybe it's spending less time on my phone and more time in prayer. phone and more time in prayer. phone and more time in prayer. Maybe it's placing paying closer Maybe it's placing paying closer Maybe it's placing paying closer attention to the word of God proclaimed attention to the word of God proclaimed attention to the word of God proclaimed at mass. Maybe it's becoming more involved in one Maybe it's becoming more involved in one of the ministries here at the cathedral of the ministries here at the cathedral of the ministries here at the cathedral or in your local parish. or in your local parish. or in your local parish. Small changes made faithfully and Small changes made faithfully and Small changes made faithfully and consistently consistently consistently often allow God's grace to produce great often allow God's grace to produce great often allow God's grace to produce great fruit. And if we believe we are in a season of And if we believe we are in a season of good soil right now, good soil right now, good soil right now, thank God for that. thank God for that. thank God for that. But don't be so quick to pat ourselves But don't be so quick to pat ourselves But don't be so quick to pat ourselves on the back. on the back. on the back. The devil is always prowling like a The devil is always prowling like a The devil is always prowling like a roaring lion roaring lion roaring lion looking for someone to devour. looking for someone to devour. looking for someone to devour. So, stay alert. So, stay alert. So, stay alert. Good soil can become bad overnight.

Good soil can become bad overnight. Good soil can become bad overnight. And keep doing what we are doing when we And keep doing what we are doing when we And keep doing what we are doing when we are in good soil are in good soil are in good soil and don't slack off. and don't slack off. and don't slack off. Keep praying. Keep praying. Keep praying. Keep growing in our faith. Keep growing in our faith. Keep growing in our faith. Keep allowing the Lord to cultivate our Keep allowing the Lord to cultivate our Keep allowing the Lord to cultivate our hearts. Also, let's not compare our soil Also, let's not compare our soil with someone else's. with someone else's. with someone else's. Some people may seem much further ahead Some people may seem much further ahead Some people may seem much further ahead of us of us of us in their spiritual lives. in their spiritual lives. in their spiritual lives. Others may have wandered away from the Others may have wandered away from the Others may have wandered away from the faith altogether. faith altogether. faith altogether. Perhaps you know someone. It could be Perhaps you know someone. It could be Perhaps you know someone. It could be your spouse, your spouse, your spouse, your child, your child, your child, a relative, a relative, a relative, a sibling, a sibling, a sibling, or a close friend or co-worker. Don't give up on them. Don't give up on them. God works in each person's life in his God works in each person's life in his God works in each person's life in his own time, own time, own time, not in our own.

not in our own. not in our own. So, keep praying for them. So, keep praying for them. So, keep praying for them. Keep loving them. Keep loving them. Keep loving them. And trust that God's still sowing seeds And trust that God's still sowing seeds And trust that God's still sowing seeds in their hearts in their hearts in their hearts even if you cannot see them yet. Every gardener knows that after planting Every gardener knows that after planting a seed, you don't expect fruit the next a seed, you don't expect fruit the next a seed, you don't expect fruit the next day. day. day. Growth takes time. Growth takes time. Growth takes time. It takes patience. It takes patience. It takes patience. And sometimes the most important work is And sometimes the most important work is And sometimes the most important work is happening beneath the surface. happening beneath the surface. happening beneath the surface. Even though we can't see it. And the same is true in our spiritual And the same is true in our spiritual lives. lives. lives. That's why St. Paul reminds us in the That's why St. Paul reminds us in the That's why St. Paul reminds us in the second reading second reading second reading that the sufferings of this present time that the sufferings of this present time that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory are not worth comparing with the glory are not worth comparing with the glory about to be revealed to us. about to be revealed to us. about to be revealed to us. God's still at work. God's still at work. God's still at work. He's patiently renewing our hearts. He's patiently renewing our hearts. He's patiently renewing our hearts. And one day his grace will bear fruit And one day his grace will bear fruit And one day his grace will bear fruit beyond anything we can imagine.

At every mass At every mass we are a little like the great crowds we are a little like the great crowds we are a little like the great crowds gather around Jesus in today's gospel. gather around Jesus in today's gospel. gather around Jesus in today's gospel. They sat on the shore listening to him. They sat on the shore listening to him. They sat on the shore listening to him. And today we are gathered here in the And today we are gathered here in the And today we are gathered here in the cathedral cathedral cathedral listening to the same word being listening to the same word being listening to the same word being proclaimed to us. proclaimed to us. proclaimed to us. God is planting the seed of his word in God is planting the seed of his word in God is planting the seed of his word in our hearts. our hearts. our hearts. Then in a few moments the same Jesus who Then in a few moments the same Jesus who Then in a few moments the same Jesus who has spoken to us in his word has spoken to us in his word has spoken to us in his word will come to us in the Holy Eucharist will come to us in the Holy Eucharist will come to us in the Holy Eucharist nourishing that seed nourishing that seed nourishing that seed with his own body and blood with his own body and blood with his own body and blood and giving us the grace to live and giving us the grace to live and giving us the grace to live what we've heard. what we've heard. what we've heard. So when mass ends So when mass ends So when mass ends our mission begins. our mission begins. our mission begins. We are sent out into the world to sow We are sent out into the world to sow We are sent out into the world to sow seeds of God's love seeds of God's love seeds of God's love hope hope hope mercy mercy mercy and compassion in our homes and compassion in our homes and compassion in our homes workplaces workplaces workplaces schools schools schools communities communities communities and especially among those who may have and especially among those who may have and especially among those who may have wandered away wandered away wandered away from God.

from God. from God. And who knows And who knows And who knows perhaps through one word, one kind word perhaps through one word, one kind word perhaps through one word, one kind word one act of forgiveness, one act of forgiveness, one act of forgiveness, one invitation back to church, one invitation back to church, one invitation back to church, or one quiet witness of faith, or one quiet witness of faith, or one quiet witness of faith, God might plant a seed in someone else's God might plant a seed in someone else's God might plant a seed in someone else's heart, heart, heart, just as he once planted seeds in mine. So, as you leave the cathedral today, So, as you leave the cathedral today, don't worry about whether your soil is don't worry about whether your soil is don't worry about whether your soil is good. good. good. Just remember this, Just remember this, Just remember this, the sower never stops sowing. the sower never stops sowing. the sower never stops sowing. He never gave up on me after 30 years. He never gave up on me after 30 years. He never gave up on me after 30 years. He certainly hasn't given up on you and He certainly hasn't given up on you and He certainly hasn't given up on you and your loved ones. your loved ones. your loved ones. And he will never give up on the people And he will never give up on the people And he will never give up on the people you are praying for. you are praying for. you are praying for. May we simply open our hearts to him, May we simply open our hearts to him, May we simply open our hearts to him, so that the seed he plants within us so that the seed he plants within us so that the seed he plants within us may bear fruit may bear fruit may bear fruit 30-fold, 30-fold, 30-fold, 60-fold, 60-fold, 60-fold, and by his grace, and by his grace, and by his grace, 100-fold.

100-fold. 100-fold. Amen. >> Let us now stand and profess the Nicene >> Let us now stand and profess the Nicene Creed. I believe in one God, the Father I believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible. all things visible and invisible. all things visible and invisible. I believe in one Lord, and Jesus Christ, I believe in one Lord, and Jesus Christ, I believe in one Lord, and Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, the only begotten Son of God, the only begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages.

born of the Father before all ages. born of the Father before all ages. God from God, light from light, true God God from God, light from light, true God God from God, light from light, true God from true God, from true God, from true God, begotten, not made, consubstantial with begotten, not made, consubstantial with begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father, the Father, the Father, through him all things were made. through him all things were made. through him all things were made. For us men and for our salvation, For us men and for our salvation, For us men and for our salvation, he came down from heaven, he came down from heaven, he came down from heaven, and by the Holy Spirit and by the Holy Spirit and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man. became man. became man. For our sake, he was crucified under For our sake, he was crucified under For our sake, he was crucified under Pontius Pilate. Pontius Pilate. Pontius Pilate. He suffered death and was buried, and He suffered death and was buried, and He suffered death and was buried, and rose again on the third day in rose again on the third day in rose again on the third day in accordance with the scriptures. accordance with the scriptures. accordance with the scriptures. He ascended into heaven, and is seated He ascended into heaven, and is seated He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. at the right hand of the Father. at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the He will come again in glory to judge the He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom living and the dead, and his kingdom living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. will have no end. will have no end. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, the giver of life, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the who proceeds from the Father and the who proceeds from the Father and the Son, Son, Son, who with the Father and the Son is who with the Father and the Son is who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified, who has spoken adored and glorified, who has spoken adored and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets.

through the prophets. through the prophets. I believe in one holy, Catholic, and I believe in one holy, Catholic, and I believe in one holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church. Apostolic Church. Apostolic Church. I confess one baptism for the I confess one baptism for the I confess one baptism for the forgiveness of sins, forgiveness of sins, forgiveness of sins, and I look forward to the resurrection and I look forward to the resurrection and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead, of the dead, of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen. Dear brothers and sisters, gather as one Dear brothers and sisters, gather as one to celebrate the good things we have to celebrate the good things we have to celebrate the good things we have received from our God. received from our God. received from our God. Let us ask him to prompt in us prayers Let us ask him to prompt in us prayers Let us ask him to prompt in us prayers that are worthy of his hearing. >> For the members of the church, that they >> For the members of the church, that they may endure the suffering of the present may endure the suffering of the present may endure the suffering of the present time with fortitude, waiting in hope for time with fortitude, waiting in hope for time with fortitude, waiting in hope for their sure revelation as children of their sure revelation as children of their sure revelation as children of God, God, God, we pray to the Lord. we pray to the Lord. we pray to the Lord. >> Lord, hear our prayer. >> Lord, hear our prayer. >> Lord, hear our prayer. >> For those outside of Christian >> For those outside of Christian >> For those outside of Christian communion, that God may visit the lands communion, that God may visit the lands communion, that God may visit the lands and peoples of the world and peoples of the world and peoples of the world and water them with truth and wisdom, and water them with truth and wisdom, and water them with truth and wisdom, making every soul reverent before his making every soul reverent before his making every soul reverent before his gift of life and the demands of his gift of life and the demands of his gift of life and the demands of his justice, justice, justice, we pray to the Lord.

we pray to the Lord. we pray to the Lord. >> Lord, hear our prayer. >> Lord, hear our prayer. >> Lord, hear our prayer. >> For creation, >> For creation, >> For creation, our beautiful world, which is enslaved our beautiful world, which is enslaved our beautiful world, which is enslaved to futility, that we may respect it as to futility, that we may respect it as to futility, that we may respect it as God's gift and redeem it by our holy God's gift and redeem it by our holy God's gift and redeem it by our holy lives, lives, lives, we pray to the Lord. we pray to the Lord. we pray to the Lord. >> Lord, hear our prayer. >> Lord, hear our prayer. >> Lord, hear our prayer. >> For all who are groaning in the labor >> For all who are groaning in the labor >> For all who are groaning in the labor pains of anxiety, illness, financial pains of anxiety, illness, financial pains of anxiety, illness, financial setbacks, unemployment, setbacks, unemployment, setbacks, unemployment, and all the troubles of life, and all the troubles of life, and all the troubles of life, especially Olga Lee, especially Olga Lee, especially Olga Lee, that redemption may come in a lifting of that redemption may come in a lifting of that redemption may come in a lifting of their burdens, their burdens, their burdens, we pray to the Lord. Lord, hear our we pray to the Lord. Lord, hear our we pray to the Lord. Lord, hear our prayer. prayer. prayer. For those who have preceded us beyond For those who have preceded us beyond For those who have preceded us beyond the horizon of death, that their eyes the horizon of death, that their eyes the horizon of death, that their eyes may be blessed with the sight of God may be blessed with the sight of God may be blessed with the sight of God and their souls filled with his and their souls filled with his and their souls filled with his beatitude in heaven. beatitude in heaven. beatitude in heaven. We pray to the Lord. We pray to the Lord. We pray to the Lord. >> Lord, hear >> Lord, hear >> Lord, hear our prayer.

>> May the petitions of your church be >> May the petitions of your church be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, so that pleasing in your sight, O Lord, so that pleasing in your sight, O Lord, so that we may receive from your mercy what we we may receive from your mercy what we we may receive from your mercy what we cannot ask out of confidence in our own cannot ask out of confidence in our own cannot ask out of confidence in our own merits merits merits through Christ our Lord. >> Please join in singing hymn number 399, >> Please join in singing hymn number 399, Almighty God, Thy Word Is Cast, number Almighty God, Thy Word Is Cast, number Almighty God, Thy Word Is Cast, number 399. >> Almighty [singing] >> Almighty [singing] [music] [music] [music] God, thy word is cast like seed into the God, thy word is cast like seed into the God, thy word is cast like seed into the ground. ground. ground. >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] [music] [music] [music] >> Oh, may it grow in humble hearts >> Oh, may it grow in humble hearts >> Oh, may it grow in humble hearts >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> and righteous fruits abound. [singing] Let not [music] Let not [music] the foe [singing] of Christ and man this the foe [singing] of Christ and man this the foe [singing] of Christ and man this [music] holy [singing] seed remove, [music] holy [singing] seed remove, [music] holy [singing] seed remove, but keep it [singing] rooted in praying but keep it [singing] rooted in praying but keep it [singing] rooted in praying souls [music] souls [music] souls [music] to bring forth fruits of [singing] love.

Let [music] not the wild storms Let [music] not the wild storms the seed fall cast the seed fall cast the seed fall cast >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> the rising plant destroy, [music] >> the rising plant destroy, [music] >> the rising plant destroy, [music] [singing] [singing] [singing] but may it in [music] converted but may it in [music] converted but may it in [music] converted minds produce [singing] minds produce [singing] minds produce [singing] the fruits the fruits the fruits of joy. Let [singing and music] not thy word so Let [singing and music] not thy word so kindly sent to raise us kindly sent to raise us kindly sent to raise us to thy [music] to thy [music] to thy [music] throne [singing] return return to thee and sadly tell that we to thee and sadly tell that we to thee and sadly tell that we reject [singing] reject [singing] reject [singing] [music] [music] [music] thy son. Great [singing and music] God, come down Great [singing and music] God, come down and on thy word thy mighty [music] and on thy word thy mighty [music] and on thy word thy mighty [music] power bestow. That That >> [singing and music] >> [singing and music] >> [singing and music] >> all who hear the joyful sound, >> all who hear the joyful sound, >> all who hear the joyful sound, thy [singing and music] saving thy [singing and music] saving thy [singing and music] saving grace may grace may grace may >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] [singing] >> Blessed are you, Lord God of all >> Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation, for through your goodness we creation, for through your goodness we creation, for through your goodness we have received the wine we offer you.

have received the wine we offer you. have received the wine we offer you. Fruit of the vine and work of human Fruit of the vine and work of human Fruit of the vine and work of human hands, it will become our spiritual hands, it will become our spiritual hands, it will become our spiritual drink. drink. drink. Blessed be God forever. In humble spirit and contrite heart may In humble spirit and contrite heart may we be accepted by you, Lord, and may our we be accepted by you, Lord, and may our we be accepted by you, Lord, and may our sacrifice in your sight this day be sacrifice in your sight this day be sacrifice in your sight this day be pleasing to you, Lord God. Wash me, oh Lord, from my iniquity and Wash me, oh Lord, from my iniquity and cleanse me from my sins. >> Pray, brethren, that my sacrifice and >> Pray, brethren, that my sacrifice and yours may be acceptable to God the yours may be acceptable to God the yours may be acceptable to God the almighty Father. Look upon the offerings of the church, Look upon the offerings of the church, oh Lord, as she makes her prayer to you. oh Lord, as she makes her prayer to you. oh Lord, as she makes her prayer to you. And grant that, when consumed by those And grant that, when consumed by those And grant that, when consumed by those who believe, they may bring ever greater who believe, they may bring ever greater who believe, they may bring ever greater holiness holiness holiness through Christ our Lord.

The Lord be with you. The Lord be with you. >> And with your spirit. >> And with your spirit. >> And with your spirit. >> Lift up your hearts. >> Lift up your hearts. >> Lift up your hearts. >> We lift them up to the Lord. >> We lift them up to the Lord. >> We lift them up to the Lord. >> Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. >> Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. >> Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. >> It is right and just. >> It is truly right and just, our duty and >> It is truly right and just, our duty and our salvation. our salvation. our salvation. Always and everywhere to give you Always and everywhere to give you Always and everywhere to give you thanks. thanks. thanks. Lord, holy Father, almighty and eternal Lord, holy Father, almighty and eternal Lord, holy Father, almighty and eternal God, through Christ our Lord. God, through Christ our Lord. God, through Christ our Lord. For out of compassion For out of compassion For out of compassion for the waywardness that is ours, for the waywardness that is ours, for the waywardness that is ours, he humbled himself he humbled himself he humbled himself and was born of the Virgin.

and was born of the Virgin. and was born of the Virgin. By the passion of the cross, he freed us By the passion of the cross, he freed us By the passion of the cross, he freed us from an ending [singing] from an ending [singing] from an ending [singing] death. death. death. And by rising from the dead, he gave us And by rising from the dead, he gave us And by rising from the dead, he gave us life eternal. life eternal. life eternal. And so, with angels and archangels, And so, with angels and archangels, And so, with angels and archangels, with thrones and dominions, [singing] with thrones and dominions, [singing] with thrones and dominions, [singing] and with all the host and powers of and with all the host and powers of and with all the host and powers of heaven, [singing] heaven, [singing] heaven, [singing] we sing the hymn of your glory we sing the hymn of your glory we sing the hymn of your glory as with our end we [singing] acclaim. >> Holy, holy, [singing] >> Holy, holy, [singing] holy holy holy Lord, Lord, Lord, God of God of God of >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> hosts. >> hosts. >> hosts. Heaven Heaven Heaven and and and earth are earth are earth are full of full of full of >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> your glory.

>> your glory. >> your glory. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Hosanna >> [music] >> [music] >> highest. >> highest. >> highest. Blessed is he who Blessed is he who Blessed is he who comes in the name of the comes in the name of the comes in the name of the [singing and music] Lord. [singing and music] Lord. [singing and music] Lord. Hosanna in the in the >> [music] >> You are indeed holy, oh Lord, and all >> You are indeed holy, oh Lord, and all you have created rightly gives you you have created rightly gives you you have created rightly gives you praise. praise. praise. For through your son, our Lord Jesus For through your son, our Lord Jesus For through your son, our Lord Jesus Christ, by the power and working of the Christ, by the power and working of the Christ, by the power and working of the Holy Spirit, Holy Spirit, Holy Spirit, you give life to all things and make you give life to all things and make you give life to all things and make them holy, them holy, them holy, and you never cease to gather a people and you never cease to gather a people and you never cease to gather a people to yourself, to yourself, to yourself, so that from the rising of the sun to so that from the rising of the sun to so that from the rising of the sun to its setting, a pure sacrifice may be its setting, a pure sacrifice may be its setting, a pure sacrifice may be offered to your name. offered to your name. offered to your name. Therefore, oh Lord, we humbly implore Therefore, oh Lord, we humbly implore Therefore, oh Lord, we humbly implore you by the same Spirit, graciously make you by the same Spirit, graciously make you by the same Spirit, graciously make holy these gifts we have brought to you holy these gifts we have brought to you holy these gifts we have brought to you for consecration, for consecration, for consecration, that they may become that they may become that they may become the body and blood of your son, our Lord the body and blood of your son, our Lord the body and blood of your son, our Lord Jesus Christ, at whose command we Jesus Christ, at whose command we Jesus Christ, at whose command we celebrate these mysteries.

celebrate these mysteries. celebrate these mysteries. For on the night he was betrayed, For on the night he was betrayed, For on the night he was betrayed, he himself took bread, he himself took bread, he himself took bread, and giving you thanks, and giving you thanks, and giving you thanks, he said the blessing, he said the blessing, he said the blessing, broke the bread, broke the bread, broke the bread, and gave it to his disciples, saying, and gave it to his disciples, saying, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take this, "Take this, "Take this, all of you, all of you, all of you, and eat of it, and eat of it, and eat of it, for this is my body, for this is my body, for this is my body, which will be given up for you." >> In a similar way, when supper was ended, >> In a similar way, when supper was ended, he took the chalice, he took the chalice, he took the chalice, and giving you thanks, he said the and giving you thanks, he said the and giving you thanks, he said the blessing, blessing, blessing, and gave the chalice to his disciples, and gave the chalice to his disciples, and gave the chalice to his disciples, saying, saying, saying, "Take this, "Take this, "Take this, all of you, and drink from it.

all of you, and drink from it. all of you, and drink from it. For this is the chalice of my blood, For this is the chalice of my blood, For this is the chalice of my blood, the blood of the new and eternal the blood of the new and eternal the blood of the new and eternal covenant, which will be poured out for covenant, which will be poured out for covenant, which will be poured out for you and for many you and for many you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. for the forgiveness of sins. for the forgiveness of sins. Do this in memory of me." >> Save >> Save us, us, us, >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> savior [music] of the world, >> savior [music] of the world, >> savior [music] of the world, for by for by for by >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> your cross and resurrection, >> [music] >> [music] >> you have [singing] set >> you have [singing] set >> you have [singing] set us free.

>> [music] >> [music] >> Therefore, oh Lord, as we celebrate the >> Therefore, oh Lord, as we celebrate the >> Therefore, oh Lord, as we celebrate the memorial of the saving passion of your memorial of the saving passion of your memorial of the saving passion of your son, son, son, his wondrous resurrection and ascension his wondrous resurrection and ascension his wondrous resurrection and ascension into heaven, into heaven, into heaven, and as we look forward to his second and as we look forward to his second and as we look forward to his second coming, we offer you in thanksgiving coming, we offer you in thanksgiving coming, we offer you in thanksgiving this holy and living sacrifice. this holy and living sacrifice. this holy and living sacrifice. Look, we pray upon the oblation of your Look, we pray upon the oblation of your Look, we pray upon the oblation of your church and recognizing the sacrificial church and recognizing the sacrificial church and recognizing the sacrificial victim by whose death you will to victim by whose death you will to victim by whose death you will to reconcile us to yourself. reconcile us to yourself. reconcile us to yourself. Grant that we who are nourished by the Grant that we who are nourished by the Grant that we who are nourished by the body and blood of your son and filled body and blood of your son and filled body and blood of your son and filled with his Holy Spirit may become one with his Holy Spirit may become one with his Holy Spirit may become one body, one spirit in Christ. body, one spirit in Christ. body, one spirit in Christ. May he make of us an eternal offering to May he make of us an eternal offering to May he make of us an eternal offering to you so that we may obtain an inheritance you so that we may obtain an inheritance you so that we may obtain an inheritance with your elect, especially with the with your elect, especially with the with your elect, especially with the most blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, most blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, most blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, with blessed Joseph, her spouse, with with blessed Joseph, her spouse, with with blessed Joseph, her spouse, with your blessed apostles and glorious your blessed apostles and glorious your blessed apostles and glorious martyrs, with St. Michael and with all martyrs, with St. Michael and with all martyrs, with St. Michael and with all the saints on whose constant the saints on whose constant the saints on whose constant intercession in your presence we rely intercession in your presence we rely intercession in your presence we rely for unfailing help.

May this sacrifice of our May this sacrifice of our reconciliation, we pray, O Lord, advance reconciliation, we pray, O Lord, advance reconciliation, we pray, O Lord, advance the peace and salvation of all the the peace and salvation of all the the peace and salvation of all the world. world. world. Be pleased to confirm in faith and Be pleased to confirm in faith and Be pleased to confirm in faith and charity your pilgrim church on Earth charity your pilgrim church on Earth charity your pilgrim church on Earth with your servant, Leo, our Pope, and with your servant, Leo, our Pope, and with your servant, Leo, our Pope, and Francis, our Bishop, the auxiliary Francis, our Bishop, the auxiliary Francis, our Bishop, the auxiliary bishops, bishops, bishops, all the clergy, and the entire people all the clergy, and the entire people all the clergy, and the entire people you have gained for your own. you have gained for your own. you have gained for your own. Listen graciously to the prayers of this Listen graciously to the prayers of this Listen graciously to the prayers of this family whom you have summoned before family whom you have summoned before family whom you have summoned before you. you. you. In your compassion, O merciful Father, In your compassion, O merciful Father, In your compassion, O merciful Father, gather to yourself all your children gather to yourself all your children gather to yourself all your children scattered throughout the world. scattered throughout the world. scattered throughout the world. To our departed brothers and sisters To our departed brothers and sisters To our departed brothers and sisters and to all who were pleasing to you at and to all who were pleasing to you at and to all who were pleasing to you at their passing from this life, give kind admittance to your kingdom. give kind admittance to your kingdom. There we hope to enjoy forever the There we hope to enjoy forever the There we hope to enjoy forever the fullness of your glory fullness of your glory fullness of your glory through Christ our Lord, through whom through Christ our Lord, through whom through Christ our Lord, through whom you bestow on the world all that is you bestow on the world all that is you bestow on the world all that is good.

>> Through him and [singing] with him and >> Through him and [singing] with him and in him, in him, in him, Oh God almighty Father, Oh God almighty Father, Oh God almighty Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor is yours all glory and honor is yours all glory and honor is yours forever forever forever and ever. [singing] >> Amen. >> Amen. >> [singing and music] >> Amen. >> Amen. >> [singing and music] >> At the Savior's command and formed by >> At the Savior's command and formed by divine teaching, we dare to say, divine teaching, we dare to say, divine teaching, we dare to say, Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

be done on earth as it is in heaven. be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and Give us this day our daily bread, and Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, forgive us our trespasses, forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against as we forgive those who trespass against as we forgive those who trespass against us, us, us, and lead us not into temptation, but and lead us not into temptation, but and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. deliver us from evil. deliver us from evil. Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil. evil. evil. Graciously grant peace in our days, Graciously grant peace in our days, Graciously grant peace in our days, that by the help of your mercy, we may that by the help of your mercy, we may that by the help of your mercy, we may be always free from sin, and safe from be always free from sin, and safe from be always free from sin, and safe from all distress, all distress, all distress, as we await the blessed hope and the as we await the blessed hope and the as we await the blessed hope and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Lord Jesus Christ, who said to your Lord Jesus Christ, who said to your apostles, apostles, apostles, "Peace I leave you, my peace I give "Peace I leave you, my peace I give "Peace I leave you, my peace I give you." you." you." Look not on our sins, but on the faith Look not on our sins, but on the faith Look not on our sins, but on the faith of your church, and graciously grant her of your church, and graciously grant her of your church, and graciously grant her peace and unity in accordance with your peace and unity in accordance with your peace and unity in accordance with your will, who live and reign forever and will, who live and reign forever and will, who live and reign forever and ever.

ever. ever. The peace of the Lord be with you The peace of the Lord be with you The peace of the Lord be with you always. always. always. Let us offer each other the sign of Let us offer each other the sign of Let us offer each other the sign of peace. [singing] [singing] [music] [music] [music] [singing] [singing] [singing] [music] [singing] [singing] [music] >> Behold the lamb of God.

>> Behold the lamb of God. Behold him, who takes away the sins of Behold him, who takes away the sins of Behold him, who takes away the sins of the world. the world. the world. Blessed are those called to the supper Blessed are those called to the supper Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb. of the Lamb. of the Lamb. Lord, I am not worthy that you should Lord, I am not worthy that you should Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the enter under my roof, but only say the enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.

in excelsis in excelsis Deo. Et tu tu Et tu tu ni ni ni dum. dum. dum. Ubi reponat pulos pulos tuos. tua, tua, Domine. Rex Rex meus Beati Beati qui qui qui habitant >> How lovely [singing] >> How lovely [singing] is your dwelling place, oh Lord of is your dwelling place, oh Lord of is your dwelling place, oh Lord of hosts?

My soul longs, indeed it faints for the My soul longs, indeed it faints for the courts of the Lord. courts of the Lord. courts of the Lord. My heart and my flesh sing for joy My heart and my flesh sing for joy My heart and my flesh sing for joy to the living God. >> Act of spiritual communion. >> Act of spiritual communion. My Jesus, I believe that you are present My Jesus, I believe that you are present My Jesus, I believe that you are present in the most holy sacrament. in the most holy sacrament. in the most holy sacrament. I love you above all things, and I I love you above all things, and I I love you above all things, and I desire to receive you into my soul.

desire to receive you into my soul. desire to receive you into my soul. Since I cannot at this moment receive Since I cannot at this moment receive Since I cannot at this moment receive you sacramentally, you sacramentally, you sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. come at least spiritually into my heart. come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace you as if you were already I embrace you as if you were already I embrace you as if you were already there, and unite myself wholly to you. there, and unite myself wholly to you. there, and unite myself wholly to you. Never permit me to be separated from Never permit me to be separated from Never permit me to be separated from you. you. you. Amen. Give ear, O God Give ear, O God of Jacob.

Hark. Hark. >> [singing] tu tu in saeculum in saeculum in saeculum saeculi Behold Behold the shield of the shield of the shield of God. Quos Quos in vanitate in vanitate in vanitate vidomus et et et et et in aeternum in aeternum in aeternum tu tu tu qui reponas suos suos altaria altaria altaria tua tua tua Domine tu tu Rex Rex Rex meus

et et Deus meus qui qui habitant >> [singing] >> [singing] >> aeternum >> aeternum >> aeternum tu in saeculum in saeculum saeculi >> Please join in singing the communion >> Please join in singing the communion hymn hymn hymn number 400, Word of God, come down on number 400, Word of God, come down on number 400, Word of God, come down on Earth. Number 400.

>> Word of >> Word of God, [music] come down [singing] on God, [music] come down [singing] on God, [music] come down [singing] on Earth. Earth. Earth. Living Living Living rain from [music and singing] Heaven rain from [music and singing] Heaven rain from [music and singing] Heaven descending. Touch our Touch our hearts hearts hearts and bring and bring and bring to to to birth birth birth >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> faith, and [music] hope, and >> faith, and [music] hope, and >> faith, and [music] hope, and love love love unending. Word almighty, [music and singing] Word almighty, [music and singing] we revere you. we revere you. we revere you. Word made [singing] Word made [singing] Word made [singing] flesh, we long to flesh, we long to flesh, we long to >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> hear you. Word [singing] Word [singing] eternal, eternal, eternal, enthroned [music] enthroned [music] enthroned [music] on high. on high. on high. Word that [singing] brought to Word that [singing] brought to Word that [singing] brought to life creation. life creation. life creation. >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> Word that came from >> Word that came from >> Word that came from Heaven Heaven Heaven to to to die.

die. die. >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> Crucified >> Crucified >> Crucified for for for >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> our salvation. >> [singing] >> [singing] >> Amen. of life restoring, [singing and music] of life restoring, [singing and music] speak to us your love speak to us your love speak to us your love outpoured. outpoured. outpoured. >> [music and singing] >> Word that caused blind [singing] eyes to >> Word that caused blind [singing] eyes to see, see, see, speak and heal [music] our speak and heal [music] our speak and heal [music] our mortal blindness. [singing] blindness. [singing] >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> That we are are >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> our healer be. Loose [music] our be. Loose [music] our tongues to tell your [singing] kindness. Be our Be our >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> word in >> word in >> word in >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> pity spoken.

>> pity spoken. >> pity spoken. Heal the Heal the Heal the world [singing] world [singing] world [singing] >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> by our >> by our >> by our sin broken. sin broken. sin broken. >> [singing] >> Word that [music] speaks your >> Word that [music] speaks your Father's love, Father's love, Father's love, one [singing and music] with him one [singing and music] with him one [singing and music] with him beyond all telling. Word [singing] that sends us from Word [singing] that sends us from above, above, above, God the [singing and music] Spirit God the [singing and music] Spirit God the [singing and music] Spirit with with with us dwelling. Word of truth to Word of truth to >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> all truth >> all truth >> all truth lead us. lead us. lead us. Word Word Word of life with one [singing] bread feed of life with one [singing] bread feed of life with one [singing] bread feed us. us. us. >> [music] Having consumed these gifts, we pray, O

Having consumed these gifts, we pray, O Lord, that by our participation in this Lord, that by our participation in this Lord, that by our participation in this mystery, its saving effects upon us may mystery, its saving effects upon us may mystery, its saving effects upon us may grow grow grow through Christ our Lord. >> This year, Share Life is completing 50 >> This year, Share Life is completing 50 years in the Archdiocese of Toronto, years in the Archdiocese of Toronto, years in the Archdiocese of Toronto, and many agencies benefit from your and many agencies benefit from your and many agencies benefit from your generosity, your prayers, your generosity, your prayers, your generosity, your prayers, your contributions, contributions, contributions, and your gift supports the journey of and your gift supports the journey of and your gift supports the journey of those who guide, serve, and uplift those who guide, serve, and uplift those who guide, serve, and uplift within the Catholic community. And within the Catholic community. And within the Catholic community. And thanks to your generosity, we have thanks to your generosity, we have thanks to your generosity, we have raised $86,000 raised $86,000 raised $86,000 towards our goal of $205,000. towards our goal of $205,000. towards our goal of $205,000. And uh please continue to pray for the And uh please continue to pray for the And uh please continue to pray for the different agencies. One of the agencies different agencies. One of the agencies different agencies. One of the agencies is St. Augustine Seminary. A lot of is St. Augustine Seminary. A lot of is St. Augustine Seminary. A lot of priests who have been through St. priests who have been through St. priests who have been through St. Augustine's Augustine's Augustine's through our formation have benefited through our formation have benefited through our formation have benefited from your support. So, thank you very from your support. So, thank you very from your support. So, thank you very much and with this I hope and pray all much and with this I hope and pray all much and with this I hope and pray all of you have a blessed week. And as you of you have a blessed week. And as you of you have a blessed week. And as you leave church, remember the St. Vincent leave church, remember the St. Vincent leave church, remember the St. Vincent de Paul boxes.

>> The Lord be with you. >> The Lord be with you. May almighty God bless you, the Father May almighty God bless you, the Father May almighty God bless you, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. and the Son and the Holy Spirit. and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life. St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the battle. Be our protection against the battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. wickedness and snares of the devil. wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuild him, we humbly pray. May God rebuild him, we humbly pray. May God rebuild him, we humbly pray. And do thou, O prince of the heavenly And do thou, O prince of the heavenly And do thou, O prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God, thrust into host, by the power of God, thrust into host, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who hell Satan and all the evil spirits who hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin prowl about the world seeking the ruin prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen. of souls. Amen. of souls. Amen. >> Please join in singing the closing hymn >> Please join in singing the closing hymn >> Please join in singing the closing hymn number 456, number 456, number 456, first tune. Now let us from this table first tune. Now let us from this table first tune. Now let us from this table rise. Number 456, rise. Number 456, rise. Number 456, first tune. >> Now let us from [singing] >> Now let us from [singing] this [music] table this [music] table this [music] table rise, renewed rise, renewed rise, renewed in body, [singing and music] mind, and in body, [singing and music] mind, and in body, [singing and music] mind, and soul. With Christ we die and live again.

soul. With Christ we die and live again. soul. With Christ we die and live again. His selfless His selfless His selfless [singing and music] love has made us [singing and music] love has made us [singing and music] love has made us whole. With minds alight, [music and singing] With minds alight, [music and singing] upheld by grace, to spread the upheld by grace, to spread the upheld by grace, to spread the [music and singing] word [music and singing] word [music and singing] word in speech and deed, we follow [singing] in the steps of Christ, in the steps of Christ, at one [music and singing] at one [music and singing] at one [music and singing] with with with all in hope all in hope all in hope and need. To fill each human To fill each human house with love. house with love. house with love. It [singing and music] is the sacrament of care. of care. The [singing] work that [music] Christ The [singing] work that [music] Christ The [singing] work that [music] Christ began began began to do, to do, to do, we humbly [singing] we humbly [singing] we humbly [singing] pledge ourselves pledge ourselves pledge ourselves to share.

Then give us courage, Then give us courage, [music and singing] Father God, to choose Father God, to choose again [singing] again [singing] again [singing] [music] the pilgrim [music] the pilgrim [music] the pilgrim way, way, way, and help us [music] to and help us [music] to and help us [music] to accept accept accept with joy with joy with joy the challenge [singing] [music]

[music] [bell] >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> [music]