SLOVENSKA ŽUPNIJA SV. GREGORIJA VELIKEGA | ST. GREGORY THE GREAT SLOVENIAN CHURCH 29/59 Številka - Number / Leto - Year 16.7. 2023 15. NEDELJA MED LETOM 15TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Fr. Drago Gačnik, SDB ŽUPNIK - PASTOR NASLOV - ADDRESS 125 Centennial Pkwy N. Hamilton, ON L8E 1H8 PHONE: 905-561-5971 CELL: 905-520-2014 E-MAIL gregory_sdb@ stgregoryhamilton.ca HALL RENTALS 905-561-5971, ext. 2 E-MAIL hallrental@ stgregoryhamilton.ca Prilika o sejalcu nas uči dvoje: o življenjski moči božje besede in o potrebnosti, da pripravimo ugodne razmere za sprejem te življenjske moči. V Pismu Rimljanom Pavel pravi, da je evangelij »Božja moč v odrešitev vsakemu, ki veruje« (Rim 1,16). Morda nismo dovolj prepričani o življenjski moči, ki je navzoča v božji besedi. Jezus jo primerja s semenom. Seme samo zase ne predstavlja nekaj velikega, pa ima vendar presunljivo življenjsko moč: sposobno je roditi veliko rastlino. Božja beseda je življenjska moč, ki je sposobna spremeniti svet. Prvo berilo, vzeto iz preroka Izaija, nam govori, da je božja beseda vedno učinkovita. Prerok jo primerja z dežjem. Dež in sneg prihajata izpod neba in namakata zemljo, jo delata rodovitno in omogočata, da seme vzkali. Taka je božja beseda. Jezus pa v evangeliju to besedo primerja s semenom. On sam je sejalec: prišel je, da nam posreduje božjo besedo, še več, on sam je beseda, beseda Boga. Mi pa smo tisti, ki jo moramo sprejeti. Beseda bo vedno učinkovita. Jezus v priliki opisuje štiri različne okoliščine sprejetja ali pa ne sprejetja božje besede. Prva je takrat, ko seme pade ob poti, na trdo zemljišče. Seme torej ostane na površju in ne more prodreti v tla; tako pridejo ptice in ga pozobajo. Tako tudi beseda, ki pade v trdo srce, ne more prodreti v njega. Jezus pravi: »Nekdo posluša besedo kraljestva in je ne razume.« Tak človek je ne sprejme; zanj pomeni le zvok, ki ga posluša z ušesi, in ne pride do njegovega srca. Zato je zelo preprosto, da pride hudič in ukrade tisto, kar je bilo vsejano vanj. V teh okoliščinah beseda ne obrodi sadu. Zatem sta predstavljeni dve okoliščini, ki si medsebojno nasprotujeta: ena opisuje težave, druga pa preveliko lahkotnost. V prvi gre za poVESTNIK 2023 | vršinsko sprejemanje: na začetku človek sprejme božjo besedo z veseljem, a le površinsko. Jezus tega človeka primerja s semenom, ki pade na kamnita tla, kjer ni veliko zemlje. Seme sicer takoj vzkali, vendar pa se, ker nima globoke zemlje. Podobno je s površnimi in nestanovitnimi ljudmi: takoj ko nastopijo težave ali preganjanje, se ne zmorejo upreti in se pohujšajo. Nasprotje tega pa je prevelika lahkotnost, ko je Beseda vsejana v okoliščinah, kjer ni preganjanj in težav, a je mnogo izbir, veliko zapeljivih užitkov. Beseda je zadušena, tako kot seme med trnjem. Pri ljudeh, ki jo želijo sprejeti brez odpovedi različnim prijetnim stvarem in se morda zanjo zanimajo, vendar jim ne predstavlja prave vrednosti - pri takih ne more obroditi pravega sadu. Končno imamo tudi okoliščine, ko je beseda vsejana v dobro zemljo. Na tak način človek razume in vedno bolj sprejema božjo besedo. Tokrat, kot pravi Jezus - »obrodi in daje sad, eden stoternega, drugi šestdeseternega, in spet drugi trideseternega«. To je pač odvisno od sposobnosti vsakogar. Vsako nedeljo pri evharističnem slavju poslušamo božjo besedo; homilija nas vabi k razmišljanju, da bi jo bolje razumeli in sprejeli; kakšne vrste poslušalci smo, kakšen je naš odgovor na to besedo? Zdi se, da so danes najpogostejše tiste okoliščine, kjer je seme posejano med trnje. V priliki trnje pomeni stvari, ki niso ostre, bodeče, temveč privlačno mamljive. Jezus jih razlaga kot skrb za zemeljsko. Danes imamo na voljo toliko zelo zanimivih stvari, toliko možnosti za razvedrilo in zabavo, za udobnost. Kdor se prepusti takim vse povsod prisotnim ponudbam, ni sposoben dobro sprejeti božje besede. Če pa res hočemo, da bo naše življenje krščansko in vredno Boga in nas samih, moramo božji besedi nameniti veliko globljo in stanovitnejšo naklonjenost. Če skrbno prebiramo in premišljujemo božjo besedo, če se molitveno poglabljamo v božji načrt, ki je skrit v njej, se bo ukoreninila v nas, se oprijela našega bistva in obrodila sad. Ta sad je naše velikodušno, zgledno življenje, življenje, s katerim smo resnično zadovoljni in v katerem sta veselje in mir. 15TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Response: The seed that fell on good soil produced a hundredfold. First Reading Isaiah 55:10-11 The word of the Lord is like rain falling on the earth, enabling it to bear fruit. Second Reading Romans 8:18-23 Humanity, like creation, is waiting for God to set it free. Gospel Matthew 13:1-23 People are like the places where seeds fall – their faith will determine whether there is a harvest of God’s riches. “Imagine a sower going out to sow.” Illustration Talk of climate change has made us all more aware of how the weather affects our lives, in a way that farmers have always been. What we have come to learn is that there is a key relationship between rain and what happens to the earth – and to us. Floods can be devastating, but a drought is a terrible thing. In recent times, after years of failed rains, the people of Kenya, Somalia and Ethiopia have faced catastrophe with conditions akin to famine in the worst-hit areas. But as well as the rains, good harvests depend on the condition of the earth where seeds are planted. Gardeners, as well as farmers, know that, and there’s a whole industry of gardening aids to help the soil, from composts to liquid feeds and weedkillers. Gospel Teaching Today’s Gospel reading highlights a timeless truth about people – that they love sto(Prim.: Oznanjevalec 3, 2008) ries, and a narrative can communicate a mes- 318 | VESTNIK 2023 There are other pitfalls ahead, Jesus explains, if the seed falls where there are patches of rock. As any gardener knows, if seed is to germinate, it needs good quality soil where the roots will take hold. This is akin to someone whose response to God is superficial: they are full of good intentions, but if they encounter any problem, they are gone. The roots that are grown enable a plant to endure; but without roots, it will not last. Even more vivid is the account of the seed among the thorns: this is like someone entangled in what the world tempts us with. But a seed in rich soil will flourish, just as will a person who hears the word of God, listens and understands it. Application sage far more powerfully than abstract thought. Jesus was a master storyteller and often used parables to teach people. On this occasion, like the prophet Isaiah in the first reading, he uses what is essential to people for their survival – the conditions for growing crops – to make his point. He knows that people aren’t always good listeners. He has to find a way to get across vital teaching. What he is saying here is that it is not the quality of your basic material (the seeds), or the weather (whether it rains or not) that matters – it is where the seeds are planted that really counts. We often use metaphors about seeds in our everyday language – for example, we speak of sowing an idea, or sowing seeds of doubt – and here the seeds are what God offers us by way of faith. But what happens to that faith is down to where the seed is planted. The seed that falls by the path has no earth in which to grow – something falling by the wayside will not grow at all. Matthew records that Jesus explains that this is one that has turned away from God’s love. We might have all kinds of technologies and more advanced thinking to help grow crops nowadays, but human nature hasn’t changed. The analogy Jesus offers between the seed and the conditions in which it might thrive, or die, is just as valid now. God is the sower of the seed of faith, but it is down to us as to what happens next. We are the ground in which the seed will flourish or fail and it’s up to us to see that our faith grows and develops. Of course there is help available if we seek it out, from our own prayers and those of others, as well as the support that the Church can give. But we have to be ready to focus on God and on caring for our faith. Becoming distracted by the temptations of the world, whether it’s drink, drugs, possessions, or just too much focus on our own pleasure, will not help us grow in faith. And being too caught up in work, or our own anxieties – not trusting in God – will also cause us to lose heart and become separated from God. So the key is: how do we ensure we become like rich soil, where our faith will bear fruit? A start is being here at Mass. Gardeners talk about cultivation: if we cultivate the habit of listening to God regularly through prayer, through attending Mass, and loving one another and those in need, then we will be enriched and faith will grow. Faith is not something that happens once and lasts for all time: it needs us to constantly be converted to God. VESTNIK 2023 | 319 Don Bosco and Confession /part 2/ By Fr. Steve Ryan, SDB On that last point about having a regular confessor and going regularly, rather than just making one big, super-duper annual confession – we have to listen to Don Bosco tell us something important. That is: regular confession is an ongoing spiritual direction toward maturity. For Don Bosco, he would not accept that confession was ONLY simply for the absolution. “Some people think that to start a new life it is enough to open one’s heart and make a general confession – and that’s it. That is fine, a good start – but not enough! Besides fixing the past we must also provide for the future. To make steady progress you must reveal your habitual faults and the occasions that lead you to sin and your dominant evil inclinations. You must faithfully and attentively carry out the advice given you. Let your confessor-director guide you with a steady hand.” (BM VII 430-431) Last thought: Do you have a regular confessor? Having a regular confessor shows some serious commitment to growing in holiness. Don Bosco tells us in another little biography he wrote on the life of Francis Besucco: “I recommend with all my heart to all, but especially to young people, to choose a regular confessor in good time, never to change him except for reasons of necessity. Let them avoid the mistake of some people who change confessors constantly or those who whenever they have to confess something of greater importance go to another confessor and then return to their regular one. When they act this way they will never have a sure guide who thoroughly knows the state of their conscience. They will meet the same fate that befalls a sick man who goes to different doctors each time. The doctors will find it difficult to diagnose the illness and hence will be uncertain as to what remedies to prescribe.” (Besucco bio chapter 19) To close, these are some great thoughts about confession from Don Bosco. Since many Catholics don’t go to confession anymore, and since so many priests ‘downplay’ the importance and availability of confession, it’s no wonder why the devil is having a field day in the world. So think about it: what’s up with you and confession? 320 | VESTNIK 2023 Slovenian Summer Day Camp Aug. 15-18 2023 Our Slovenian Summer Day Camp is back! After a bit of a break, I am happy to announce that we will again be hosting our Annual Summer Day Camp! PLEASE NOTE THE CHANGE OF DATE! Because of a conflict in dates, our camp will be held one week later than usual. Parents, Grandparents, Friends this is a great opportunity to get your kids involved in our Slovenian community. For those who already have many friends, let’s re-connect and for those who may be a little new to our parish, come out and meet other children your age and get ready for a week of Crafts, Sports and a little culture! Mark your calendars Tuesday August 15-18 And remember to book off your Friday evening for our annual SSDC BBQ and campers vs. parents Soccer Game! Stay tuned - More information to follow! Contact Heidy Novak novakhsn@gmail.com or 905-317-6002 VESTNIK 2023 | 321 O BVESTILA - A NNOUNCEMENTS KOLEDAR DOGODKOV - July 23, 2023 - Bled - Proščenje, Mass: 12:30 p.m. - August 4 - 7, 2023 - Slovenski Park - Civic Holiday Weekend - Sunday, August 6, Mass 1:00 p.m. - August 6, 2023 - Lipa Park - Music in the Park Picnic - August 12, 2023 - Breslau - Sava - Maša in Picnic - 1:00 p.m. READER - BRALEC Frank Novak CLEANING OF THE CHURCH July 22nd - Gosgnach team Aug. 5th - Jozica Vegelj and team Aug. 19th - Lojska Novak and team DAROVI - DONATIONS Za gradbeni sklad so darovali: - $50 - Hema Kosednar v spomin na pokojnega Maksa Pavličič. Hvala za vaš dar. »OSTRŽEK« - LUTKOVNO GLEDALIŠČE MARIBOR Nastopili bodo v soboto 22. julija od 5h do 6h v Mississauga in v nedeljo, 23. julija 2023 v Hamiltonu z lutkovno predstavo »Ostržek«. Vabljeni, še posebej družine z otroci. Something for the kids or the kids at heart: Support this act from Maribor, Slovenia - a remarkable show to share with your family! Lutkovno Gledališče Maribor, translating to Maribor Puppet Theatre from Slovene, is located in a renovated 13th century monastery, in 322 | VESTNIK 2023 Maribor, Slovenia. The Maribor Puppet Theatre was founded on December 8, 1973 by the merger of two amateur puppet theaters in the city – the KUD Jože Hermanko Maribor Puppet Theater and the DPD Svoboda Pobrežje Puppet Theater. Considered one of the best modern puppet theatres in Europe, Lutkovno Gledališče Maribor thoughtfully and sensitively appeals to viewers of all ages through creativity, imagination, and an understanding of puppetry art. See them: Saturday, July 22: 5-6 p.m. Maja Prentice Theatre 3650 Dixie Road Mississauga, ON, L4Y 3V9 https://ow.ly/nLHK50OZLnn In Hamilton: Save $5 with code: SLOVENIA Sunday, July 23: 1-2 p.m. HCA Black Box Theatre, Hamilton Conservatory for the Arts 126 James Street South, Hamilton http://www.artsforall.co/pinocchio POKOJNI - DECEASED V sredo, 12. julija 2023, je odšel k Bogu po večno plačilo Jožef Rajner iz Kitchenerja. Pokojni je letos januarja dopolnil 79 let. Od njega se bosta lahko poslovili v četrtek, 20. julija v Henry Walser Funeral Home, 507 Frederick St. Kitchener med 9:30 in 10:15 a.m. Pogrebni obred bo ob 10:30 a.m.. Pokojnega Jožeta bodo položili k večnemu počitku na Williamsburg pokopališče. Iskreno sožalje ženi Veri in družini, pokojni pa naj uživa večni mir in pokoj. Svet e maše - Masses Sunday Masses from July 2 nd to Sept. 17 th at 10:00 a.m. Na račun »Eno Srce, Ena Duša« - »One Heart, One Soul« ste za našo slovensko župnijo sv. Gregorija Velikega do 14. julija 2023: - $167,806. - Vplačali / Paid Hvala vsem, ki ste že prispevali. Naš cilj je, da dosežemo vsoto 200.000,- V tem tednu so naslednje obletnice smrti faranov, ki so zapisani v naših knjigah: Virant Ciril Tuesday, July 17, 2012 Zver Ivan Friday, July 17, 2020 Cerar Joseph Wednesday, July 18, 2001 Štefanec Milan Sunday, July 18, 2010 Hochevar Mary Friday, July 18, 2014 Ritlop Anton Saturday, July 19, 1975 Koren Silva Monday, July 20, 2015 Hočevar Martha Saturday, July 21, 2018 Cimermančič Ivan Tuesday, July 21, 2020 Koren Franc Saturday, July 22, 2017 Za žive in rajne župljane †† Magda in Stane Udovč 15. NEDELJA MED LE†† Bratje in sestre Štefanec TOM Za zdravje 16. JULIJ † Maks Pavličič Karmelska Mati Božja † Maks Pavličič † Maks Pavličič Karmen † Maks Pavličič DON BOSCO 10:00 A.M. - - - - - - Levstek & McLean Families Sestra Milena Pavlič Sue Augustin Rose Marie Gage English Choir Helena Špiler Družina Erzar SV. MAŠE - MASSES: Mon. to Fri.: 7:00 P.M.; Saturday: 5:30 P.M. (Slo); Sunday: 9:30 A.M. (Slo); 11:00 A.M (Eng) - From July to Fall Banquet only 10:00 A.M. - KRSTI / BAPTISMS: For an appointment, call one month before. POROKE / MARRIAGE: By appointment, call one year before the wedding date. SPOVED / CONFESSIONS: First Friday of the month 6 to 7:00 P.M. (or by appointment) BOLNIKI - Sporočite, če je kdo bolan ali v bolnišnici, da ga obiščemo. You are welcome to call for a personal conversation with your priest – please call for an appointment. Tel: 905-561-5971 or Cell: 905-520-2014 VESTNIK 2023 | 323 SVETE MAŠE - MASSES PONEDELJEK - MONDAY 17. JULIJ † † † †† Janez Žvan Pavel Richard Novak Pavel Novak Pok starši, bratje in sestre 7:00 P.M. Rose Marie & Tony Vengar z druž. Rose Marie & Tony Vengar z druž. Rose Marie & Tony Vengar z druž. Angela Kobe z družino TOREK - TUESDAY 18. JULIJ † † † †† Mary Hochevar, obl. Milan Štefanec, obl. Maks Pavlič Pok. iz družine Štefanec 7:00 P.M. Mia Goodfellow z družino Žen za družino Marina Štefanec Marina Štefanec Aleš, spokornik Friderik, škof SREDA - WEDNESDAY 19. JULIJ † Jože Gačnik † Max Pavličič Po namenu 7:00 P.M. Jožica in ivan Vegelj z družino Teresa Miga H.K. ČETRTEK - THURSDAY 20. JULIJ † Jožef Tompa Po namenu † Elizabeta II. 7:00 P.M. Sestra Marija Jožica Vegelj z družino H. K. †† † † † Pavel in Paul Richard Novak Zoltan Gergyek Jože Gačnik Tone Lukežič 7:00 P.M. Jožica Novak z družino Žena Ana Majda Lukežič Žena Majda Za duše v vicah Branko Temlin Martin Malevič Jr., obl. Jože Zadravec Ana Nedelko Joško Kuzma Štefan Gabor Jože Zadravec Franc in Ana Ferenčak 5:30 P.M. Ljudmila Pinter z družino Marija Volf Družina Malevič Jože in Marija Magdič z družino Martin in Regina Nedelko Mihael in Marija Fabina Družina Raduha Družina Raduha Družina Raduha Za žive in rajne župljane Magda Udovč Joe Prša Norma in Ivan Tompa Max Pavličič Ivanka Hafner Max Pavličič Joža Šušteršič Pokojni člani društva Bled 10:00 A.M. - - - - - - Families Levstek & McLean Kathy, Emilia & Ivan Kathy Simončič Družina Groznik Ignac in Terezija Sarjaš z družino Milena Volčanšek Milena Volčanšek 12:30 P.M. Proščenje - Društvo Bled Ambrozij, opat Marjeta Antiohijska, muč. PETEK - FRIDAY 21. JULIJ Danijel, prerok †† † † SOBOTA - SATURDAY † 22. JULIJ † Marija Magdalena, sp. žena † Valter, bolniški strežnik † † †† † 16. NEDELJA MED LETOM † †† 23. JULIJ † Brigita Švedska, redovnica † † Krištofova nedelja † †† 324 | VESTNIK 2023