Saint John Bosco

This is a good memorial to celebrate as we begin Catholic Schools Week, Saint John Bosco. Saint John was born in 1815. Once he was ordained to the priesthood he dedicated himself to the education of the young, founding congregations which would instruct youth in both the arts and the Christian life. He died in 1888 (Magnificat, 414-15). The entrance antiphon also speaks well of the saint that we celebrate: "Let the children come to me, and do not stop them, say the Lord; to such belongs the kingdom of God" (Mk. 10:14). Saint John welcomed the children, the youth like our Lord and taught them the ways of faith and how to live the Christian life. Catholic Schools, Religious Education, Youth Ministry, etc, are important components of the mission of the Church. Our young people are not only our future leaders in the church, but they are also the church of today. As priests, religious, catechists, we need to do our part to make our young people feel welcome and instill in them the Catholic faith and how to live holy, moral, dedicated, and committed lives. Let us turn to Saint John Bosco, for his prayers and intercessions, that we may carry out our ministry to the young people with strong faith and great zeal, energy, and enthusiasm. God Bless You!!!

The Beatitudes!!!

One of our guides for living is what we will listen to this weekend. Our gospel is: Matthew 5:1-12a, the Beatitudes. Jesus went up the mountain, he saw the crowds, and he began to teach them. According to one of the homily helps, "the Beatitudes are much older than the gospel. Jesus uses Beatitudes to instill hope in people whose lives have given them little to hope for" (Saint Anthony Messenger Press, Jan. 30). The structure says it all: "The first part of each Beatitude describes a serious condition of diminishment ranging from poverty to persecution. The good news, however, is found in the second part of each Beatitude" (SAMP, Jan. 30). The Beatitudes are a way of life and they give us hope. As Pope Benedict XVI says, "The individual beatitudes are the fruit of Christ looking upon his disciples. The Beatitudes express the meaning of discipleship... What the Beatitudes mean cannot be expressed in purely theoretical terms; it is proclaimed in the life and suffering, and in the mysterious joy, of the disciple who gives himself over completely to following the Lord" (Magnificat, 403-4). The Beatitudes are a wonderful teaching for us and a way of life. Pray that we may have the grace to live the Beatitudes each day and be an example to others. Have a blessed weekend!!!

Saint Thomas Aquinas

The saint that we celebrate today, Saint Thomas Aquinas, has appeared several times in my life. My senior year in high school was spent at St. Thomas Aquinas in Overland Park, Kansas. In the major seminary, the chapel where we gathered was the Aquinas Chapel. Of course, we read a lot of Saint Thomas Aquinas in the seminary, so his intercession and presence helped us as we grew in faith and knowledge. Saint Thomas Aquinas was a learned man and well written. He was also a man of great faith and prayer. Perhaps that is why he is a doctor and saint of the church because we can learn a lot from his example. Saint Thomas Aquinas, intercede for us. God Bless you!!!

Saint Angela Merici

This has been a special memorial for me to celebrate because of the religious order that Saint Angela Merici founded. Saint Angela founded the Order of Ursulines, following the charism of Saint Ursula. This Order was founded for the education of girls and for the missions. Education is an important ministry for the Ursuline Sisters. During my late grade school years and all of junior high, I had Ursuline Sisters at the Catholic Grade School that I attended. I am grateful for the leadership of the Ursuline Sisters and those who taught me. I also think about those years as we prepare to observe Catholic Schools Week next week. As the opening prayer for Mass noted: "Lord, may Saint Angela commend us to your mercy; may her charity and wisdom help us to be faithful to your teaching and to follow it in our lives." May this be our prayer today and everyday. Saint Angela Merici, intercede for us. Have a blessed day!!!

Saints Timothy & Titus

We all need people to assist us in our lives. We need people to be confidants, that we can turn to in time of need or to help us in the mission. For Saint Paul, those people were Saint Timothy and Saint Titus. According to the commentary, Saint Timothy was the confidant of Saint Paul. "Timothy was the inseparable companion of the work and sufferings of the apostle. He was his confidant at all times. Titus was the negotiator, the one Paul sent to clear up misunderstandings, reconcile differences; the one, too, on whom the apostle could count to organize a new Church" (Magnificat, 355). Each one of us, no matter how young or old we are, have a part, a role to play when it comes to continuing the mission of the church and living the Good News each day. Let us pray that Saint Timothy and Saint Titus will intercede for us and help us help one another as we live as the body of Christ and build up the Kingdom of God in our midst. God Bless You!!!

Conversion of Saint Paul!!!

This feast concludes the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. We have prayed that all may be one in Christ. We pray for unity and peace among all people. The way for that to happen means that we need to have a conversion of heart. That is why the Lenten call is so important, "Rend your hearts, not your garments." Conversion comes from within. As the commentator writes, "Being converted is simply meeting yourself for the purpose of going to the very end of your being. Conversion means a willingness to see the truth of things and conform one's conduct to it" (Magnificat, 340). Conversion is a life-long process. We are always growing in faith and holiness. It takes time for people to experience that conversion, but today would be a good day to begin because we look to the example of Saint Paul as a model. Saint Paul, intercede for us and help us to find and grow in the gift of conversion. Have a blessed day!!!

Saint Francis de Sales

The Church holds up for us a number of saints this week. We begin this new week with Saint Francis de Sales. Saint Francis was born in 1567. After being ordained a priest, he worked diligently to restore Catholicism to his own country. He was chosen bishop and showed himself to be a true pastor toward his clerics and the faithful. Saint Francis strengthened their faith by his writings, works, and example. He died in 1622 (Magnificat, 329-330). The opening prayer for Mass said that Saint Francis was given the spirit of compassion to help all in their journey to salvation. We pray for that example as well, that we may be a people of compassion and help our brothers and sisters to live their life and their faith to the fullest. Saint Francis de Sales, intercede for us! Have a blessed day!!!

Weekend for Life!

Let us pray for those who are traveling to Washington, D.C. to take part in the March for Life on Monday. Let us pray for all efforts in the pro-life movement. The Venerable John Paul II told the world many times that we live in a "Culture of Death" and we need to turn it into a "Culture for Life." Human Life is a precious gift from God and we need to treat that gift with dignity and respect. Here is a quote from the Catechism of the Catholic Church that I would like to leave with you as we observe this time to promote and march for life. "Human life is sacred because from its beginning it involves the creative action of God and it remains for ever in a special relationship with the Creator, who is its sole end. God alone is the Lord of life from its beginning until its end: no one can under any circumstance claim for himself the right directly to destroy an innocent human being" (CCC, #2258). Let us always do our part to protect and promote the beautiful gift of human life. Have a blessed weekend!!!

Saint Meinrad!!!

I want to extend my wishes for a joyous and blessed feastday to the monks of Saint Meinrad Archabbey, as they celebrate the feast of their patron today, Saint Meinrad. I have been able to connect with some of the monks on facebook so I am sure they will see this message. A life changing experience took place for me 20 years ago (1991) this April when I set foot on the grounds of Saint Meinrad Archabbey and Seminary in southern Indiana. I had been discerning a vocation to the priesthood and encountered some obstacles along the way. I knew God was calling me to be a priest, I just did not know when or how. Once I got to Saint Meinrad, I fell in love with the place and within a week after my visit, I was accepted to finish my last two years of college there and continue in the School of Theology. Saint Meinrad Archabbey and Seminary has a special place in my life and so does Saint Meinrad the person- monk and martyr who we remember today. Saint Meinrad was a hermit and lived the Benedictine charism of hospitality everyday. He even showed that hospitality to the two people that eventually martyred him. Meinrad was found on this date, January 21, 861 (1,150 years ago), so this is a special year to celebrate the life of this holy monk and man. Pray that Saint Meinrad will intercede for us and help us to live that Christ-like love and hospitality each day. God Bless You!!!

Journey to Remember!

I was looking in the Magnificat reader to see what is being celebrated today and when I saw that one of the optional memorials is for Saint Sebastian I immediately thought about the significance of this month, this year, for me. It was 15 years ago, during this time, that 17 seminarians from Saint Meinrad Seminary in Indiana and two accompanying Benedictine Monks, made a pilgrimage to Rome. At Saint Meinrad, January was an interterm month to do different things. One of those things was a journey to Rome and other areas of interest in Europe. We spent about two weeks in Rome, attending papal liturgies, going to the pope's general audience, and seeing all the sights that Rome has to offer. The highlight of that journey, right before we went our separate ways for about another week or so, was a private audience with the Venerable John Paul II. Being able to meet the pope in person is a moment that will live with me forever and I have the picture of that occasion to look at as a reminder. Why did Saint Sebastian cause me to think about that journey? One of the churches that we visited was the Church of Saint Sebastian, who was a martyr and he has been a popular saint since the sixth century. May Saint Sebastian intercede for us and may we have the courage to live our faith to the fullest as we continue our journey towards the kingdom. God Bless You!!!

Melchizedek!!!

Here is a name that we see in the Old and New Testament and hear whenever Eucharistic Prayer I is used at Mass: "Look with favor on these offerings and accept them as once you accepted the gifts of your servant Abel, the sacrifice of Abraham, our father in faith, and the bread and wine offered by your Melchisedech." Obviously there are two different ways to spell this name, but it is for the same person. The first reading from Mass today, Hebrews 7:1-3,15-17, talks about Melchizedek who was the king of Salem and priest of God Most High. The passage goes on to say that without any family or ancestry, Melchizedek is made to resemble the Son of God and does remain a priest forever. Even the Psalmist says in Psalm 110 "You are a priest forever, in the line of Melchizedek." As ordained priests, we receive an indelible mark or sacramental seal on our soul, which says that we are a priest forever. Like Melchizedek, we proclaim the word and offer the gifts of bread and wine which truly become for us at Mass, the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus Christ. Let us continue to pray for our priests, that God will bless them, and may they always live with the promise that they are priests forever in the line of Melchizedek. Have a Blessed day!!!

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity!

Today begins the weeklong observance of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. This observance begins on January 18 and concludes on January 25, which is the Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul. It is an appropriate time to mark this observance especially as we have begun a New Year because a new year brings a sense of renewed hope and vision. Like Jesus prayed in the Gospels, so we do as well in beginning this week of prayer, "That all may be one." As the opening prayer proclaims in the Mass for Christian Unity: "Almighty and eternal God, you keep together those you have united. Look kindly on all who follow Jesus your Son. We are all consecrated to you by our common baptism; make us one in the fullness of faith and keep us one in the fellowship of love" (Magnificat, 262). Key words from that prayer can be: united, all consecrated, common baptism, and make us one. These words refer to unity and that is what we pray for amongst all peoples. Let us join our brothers and sisters throughout the world during this week as we pray for unity and that in Jesus Christ, we may all be one! Have a blessed day!!!

Saint Anthony!!!

Today the Church remembers Saint Anthony, a monk and abbot. Most people know Saint Anthony of Padua because he helps us find lost items, but this is a different Saint Anthony. This saint is the celebrated father of monasticism, who was born in Egypt around 250. After his parents died he distributed his property to the poor and beginning a life of penance, withdrew into solitude. He attracted disciples and labored on behalf of the Church by giving support to believers during the persecution of Diocletian and assisting Saint Athanasius against the Arians. He died in 356 (Magnificat, 251). Saint Anthony is a great example for us and we look to the opening prayer at Mass for guidance: "Father, you call Saint Anthony to renounce the world and serve you in the solitude of the desert. By his prayers and example, may we learn to deny ourselves and love you above all things" (251). May Saint Anthony intercede for us, help us to find the Lord at all times, especially in the quiet of our hearts, and to be of service to others. God Bless You!!!

Please pray for the priests of the Diocese of Salina, Kansas as they begin their annual clergy renewal days this evening until Thursday.

Our Mission!!!

The gospel that we will listen to for this weekend, John 1:29-34, speaks of Jesus' baptism, but this time, John the Baptist points to Jesus as the Lamb of God. John recognizes Jesus as the One who is to come into the world to save us from our sins. Jesus is the One who comes to baptize with fire and the Holy Spirit. As one commentator points out, this is where John the Baptist vanishes because he knows that his mission has been fulfilled. John was the herald of the Messiah who is now here so Jesus' public ministry can begin. Now, the mission continues with us. Here is an illustration that I am going to use this weekend to prove this point: "A university student who was having a hard time getting his act together decided to take his frustrations out on God. He went into the university chapel, sat in a pew, looked heavenward and said, 'All we have on this earth are problems and a bunch of dummies who will never figure out how to solve them. Even I could make a better world than this one.' And somewhere deep inside him the student heard God answer: 'That's what you're supposed to do'" (Fuller, Stories for All Seasons, 25). That is what we are supposed to do! We are to continue the mission entrusted to us, build a better world, and spread the Good News of Jesus Christ. We received this mission at our baptism, let us make the most of it! Have a blessed weekend!!!

Forward in Baptism

We go forward as Catholics, Christians, and Disciples to live the Good News and continue the mission entrusted to us. It was the Church Fathers at the Second Vatican Council (1962-65) that connected the charism of baptism with the charism of discipleship. The following statement is key, "The goal of all Christians is to be a source of God's grace for others: to be Christ in the world, whatever we do and wherever we are" (St. Anthony Messenger Press, Jan. 2010). As we conclude our discussion on baptism and imagery of the baptismal font, we thank God for this wonderful gift that we have received. Baptism welcomed us into God's family and the family of the Church. We need to go forward and live that baptismal call everyday and bring the message of Jesus Christ to our brothers and sisters! God Bless You!!!

Baptismal Sharing!

Our baptism is a sharing in the dying and rising with Christ. When we go down into the waters of baptism we die with Christ and when we come out we rise with him. As one image portrays, "Every baptismal font is the tomb of Christ and every baptismal font is the River Jordan" (St. Anthony Messenger Press-SAMP, Jan. 9, 2011). This goes along with what the Venerable John Paul II wrote, "Christian art will personify this river as an old man looking with awe at what is happening in his watery depths. For, as the Byzantine liturgy says, 'Christ the Sun is washed' in it. This same liturgy, in the Liturgy of the Hours on the day of the Theophany or Epiphany of Christ, imagines a dialogue with the river: "What did you see, O Jordan, that disturbed you so deeply? I saw the Invisible One naked and I trembled. How can one not tremble and draw back from him? At his site the angels trembled, the heavens leapt for joy, the earth shook, the sea turned back with all the visible and invisible beings. Christ appeared in the Jordan to bless all the waters" (SAMP, Jan. 2011)! We have seen some beautiful imagery about the baptismal font and Jordan River these past few days. It is all a reminder of the example that Our Lord gave to us and the baptism that we share! Have a blessed day!!!

Baptismal Font

If you were to go to any Catholic Church, you might see baptismal fonts of all shapes and sizes. There are the fonts by each door so people can sign themselves as they enter and leave church to large baptismal pools where full immersion baptisms can be administered. The journey to baptismal life begins at the doors of the church but culminates around the baptismal font because that is where we are washed clean of original sin and begin our new life. Saint Paulinus of Nola wrote this on the sacred baptismal font: "From this font, which gives life to souls in need of salvation, flows a living water of divine light. The Holy Spirit comes down from heaven upon this 'river' and joins the sacred waters with the heavenly source; the stream teems with God and the eternal seed gives birth to holy offspring by its fruitful waters" (St. Anthony Messenger Press, Jan. 9, 2011). With baptism, we are welcomed into God's family and begin our journey of being faithful witnesses and disciples. Each time we dip our hand in the baptismal font or even see a baptismal font, no matter the shape or size, let us be mindful of the beautiful gift of baptism that we have received. God Bless You!!!

Living our Baptism!

Even though we are two days removed from celebrating the Baptism of the Lord and we are in the midst of National Vocation Awareness Week, it is still good to talk about baptism and this great gift we have received. We need to live our baptism and baptismal call each day. As one source said, "The Baptism of the Lord is the model for us all. That holy event was the Lord's recognition of the Spirits' mission for him - to proclaim the reign of God as not a future but a now event. That is the Good News" (St. Anthony Messenger Press, Jan. 9, 2011)! This is a mission that our Lord did not do alone. He chose disciples and had disciples who took this mission to heart, followed him, and continued to live that mission each day. Now, in our present time, we are those disciples who are called to live our baptism and proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom. Our beginning takes place at the baptismal font and there are some beautiful images that I will use tomorrow. Have a blessed day!!!

National Vocation Awareness Week

The week following the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord is National Vocation Awareness Week. It is a time to pray for and promote vocations to the priesthood and religious life. For five years, I had the opportunity to work in our vocation office in the Diocese of Salina, Kansas. It was a tremendous experience and it gave me a wonderful opportunity to walk with individuals as they discerned their vocation and prayed about what God was calling them to do. Even though I am out of the office, I still keep in mind that I am a vocation director because I have to do my part to encourage others, especially our young people to think about a vocation in the church. One of the reasons we observe vocations week now is that we can focus on the baptismal call that we have all received by virtue of our own baptism. That baptismal call is to proclaim the Good News and continue the mission of the church. Vocations are an important part of that mission because the need for priests and religious is great. As the voice of the Father said in the gospel for the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, "This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased, listen to him." We need to listen to the voice of the Lord who calls us to follow him daily. It's like I heard a priest say one time, "We do not have a shortage of vocations, we have a shortage of listeners." For each of us, there is the universal call to holiness. We need to listen to that call in our lives, just as those discerning a vocation need to listen to their call as well. Let us do what we can, not only this week, but each day, to listen to the voice of God and pray for and promote vocations, that men and women will listen to that call in their lives. God Bless You!!!

Baptism of the Lord!

We are bringing the Christmas Season to a close with the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. It is amazing that two weeks ago we celebrated the great mystery of the Incarnation, God becoming man. Jesus, the Son of God, is born in a stable at Bethlehem. Now, we see Jesus coming to the Jordan River to be baptized by John. Jesus is 30 years old and ready to begin his public ministry. The age old question is, "Why did Jesus need to be baptized?" The Magnificat publication had a wonderful answer to this question and I will share that with you here: "Jesus joins the people going out to John the Baptist in the gesture of repentance, not because there is sin in him, but in order to model for us the only authentic way to approach the Father. He goes to the Baptist as a beggar because the Mystery is mercy. Through the mystery of the Baptism of the Lord, whenever we regard our sins we see something more: Jesus Christ who comes to be present to us, even identifying with us sinners. Whenever we look at our sins we see Someone looking at us with love. We can face our sins because of the gaze of that face. Thanks to the Baptism of the Lord, never again must we confront the horror of our sins alone" (128). Jesus is baptized as a model and example for us. Through our baptisms we are cleansed of original sin and welcomed into the family of God and the family of the Church. Let us thank God for the gift of our baptism and may we continue to fulfill the baptismal call that we received as we celebrate this feast with gratitude and joy. Have a blessed weekend!!!

Friday after Epiphany

We are coming to the end of this week after the Epiphany. Of course, in many places, like Europe, the Epiphany is celebrated on its normal day, January 6. On the Epiphany, we see the magi following the star and finding the Christ child. In turn, they offered their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. These gifts were closely tied with our Lord who is priest, prophet and king. The entrance antiphon from the psalmist says, "The Lord is a light in darkness to the upright; he is gracious, merciful, and just" (111:4). That is why the opening prayer for our Mass acknowledges that the Father made known the birth of the Savior by the light of the star. We pray that He will continue to guide us with His light. As we prepare to close this Christmas Season, may the light of Christ continue to burn brightly in our lives and may we radiate that light to our brothers and sisters. Have a blessed day!!!

Saint Andre Bessette

Today we celebrate the memorial of Canada's recently canonized saint, Saint Andre Bessette. This is also a special celebration for my spiritual director because he is a distant relative of Saint Andre and was able to attend the canonization this past October in Rome. Saint Andre was a professed religious of the Congregation of the Holy Cross in Montreal, Canada. He was a man of prayer, a friend of the poor, and he served as a porter and custodian throughout his religious life. Saint Andre is known as the founder of Saint Joseph Oratory in Montreal because of his great devotion to Saint Joseph. Saint Andre died on January 5, 1937. He was beatified by the Venerable John Paul II on May 23, 1982 and canonized on October 17, 2010 by Pope Benedict XVI (Loose-Leaf Lectionary, 260). This is a wonderful memorial to celebrate during this Christmas Season because of Saint Andre's devotion to the foster-father of Jesus, Saint Joseph, and being a simple, holy, prayerful man. Good qualities for us as we strive to be disciples of the Lord. May this new saint, Saint Andre Bessette, intercede for us and help us with his prayers! God Bless You!!!

Saint John Neumann

As we begin this new year, the United States has been able to celebrate two of their own who have become saints in the Catholic Church. On January 4, we celebrated the memorial of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton. Today, January 5, we celebrate the memorial of Saint John Neumann. Saint John was born in Bohemia but came to the United States and was ordained in New York in 1836. In 1840, he joined the Redemptorist Order and labored in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. Saint John was consecrated bishop of Philadelphia in 1852. During his time as bishop, he worked to establish parish schools and built many parishs for the numerous immigrants who were coming to our country. Saint John Neumann died on January 5, 1860. He was beatified in 1963 and canonized in 1977 (Magnificat, 80). We pray for Saint John's intercession as we continue the mission of the church. Perhaps we can make part of the opening prayer at Mass our prayer as well, "By his prayers help us to build up the community of the Church through our dedication to the Christian education of youth and through the witness of our brotherly love" (Sacramentary, 599). Saint John Neumann, intercede for us! Have a blessed day!!!

Full Steam Ahead!!!

The commentator in one of our liturgy resources talked about the need for rest, peace, and times of quiet, especially after the celebrations of Christmas and New Years. There is nothing wrong with that because we can always use that down time and in fact, the Lord even tells us like he told his disciples, to get away and rest awhile. Even though we can use the peace and quiet, we cannot forgot that the work of God, the mission of the Church needs to continue. The readings for today give us that incentive. The letter to Saint John (4:7-10) says that we need to love one another because love is of God. As God loves us, so we must share that love with others. That love compels us to service, to reach out to our brothers and sisters. The gospel, Mark 6:34-44, is an example of that service. The disciples wanted to send the crowds away so that they could get food, plus they probably wanted the peace and quiet, but Jesus had other plans. Instead of sending the people away, Jesus fed all of them with five loaves and two fish. What a great miracle, but an even greater example of love and service. In the life of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, whom we remember on this day, we see that there was a tremendous example of service. After losing her husband and raising five children she could have yearned for peace and quiet. Instead, she joined the Catholic Church, founded a religious order of sisters, and founded a school. Her life is an example of love and service. Yes, we can always use the down time when needed, but when it comes to love and service, and doing all we can for the glory of God, it is full steam ahead! Have a blessed day!!!

The Holy Name of Jesus

Today we celebrate the feast of the Most Holy Name of Jesus. It is an appropriate feast during this Christmas Season as we continue to thank God for the gift of His Son. As it says in John's Gospel and this is the promise of Jesus, "Whatever you ask in my name, I will do" (Jn 14:13). In the Catechism of the Catholic Church, "The name of 'Jesus' contains all...His name is the only one that contains the presence it signifies" (#2666). According to Richard Rolle, "If you think the name 'Jesus' continually, it purges your sin and kindles your heart; it clarifies your soul, it removes anger and does away with slowness. It wounds in love and fulfills charity. It chases the devil and puts our dread. It opens heaven, and makes you contemplative. It puts all vices and phantoms out from the lover" (Magnificat, 55). The name of Jesus provides power and strength. It is the name of God's only Son, the Savior of the world, and Prince of Peace. Let us always adore the holy name of Jesus and keep it permanently fixed in our mind, heart, and soul. Have a blessed day!!!

New Year to Epiphany

This New Year weekend leads to the Solemnity of the Epiphany that will be celebrated on January 2. The Solemnity recalls the magi following the star that leads them to the manger scene and the baby Jesus. Upon finding the newborn King, they do him homage and then offer him the gifts that they brought: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. According to one source, these gifts were highly symbolic: "Gold is the 'king of metals' and is, therefore, symbolic of Jesus' kingship; Frankincense is used in worship and is, therefore, symbolic of Jesus' divinity; Lastly, myrrh is used in burials and is symbolic of Jesus' humanity" (Link, Mark- Vision 2000, 55). As we celebrate the Solemnity of the Epiphany, we can ask ourselves, "What gifts do we bring to the newborn King?" Since we are beginning a brand new year, 2011, perhaps we can use that question for our time of prayer and see what we can give to the Lord in this new year. We can say that the magi are good examples of stewardship because they gave of their gifts, their treasure to the Lord. We are called each day to be stewards, giving of our time, talent, and treasure. We pray that we may be good stewards, offering the gifts that we have received back to the Lord, because everything that we have is a gift from Him. On this solemnity, let us fall on our knees in homage to the newborn King and offer our gifts to him because we are to give back to God what he has given to us! A Happy and Blessed New Year to you!!!