A New Year Dawns!

We are preparing ourselves to bring in a new year, 2011. It is amazing how time continues to fly by. Today, December 31, calls us to be thankful and reflective. We need to thank God for the gifts and blessings that have been bestowed upon us in 2010 and to seek forgiveness for the times that we failed. On January 1, 2011, we will begin a new year of grace and hope. Let us be open to the graces and blessings that God will bestow upon us in this coming year. Like our Blessed Mother Mary, whose motherhood we will celebrate on January 1, let us be models to our brothers and sisters as we listen to the Good News, but also put that Good News into practice. We are to make Christ known to everyone we meet. Our Lady is also the Queen of Peace and on January 1 we mark the World Day of Prayer for Peace. We pray that peace will reign in this new year. Of course, for peace to be made known in the world, it has to begin with us. Thank you God for all that You have done for us in this year about to end. May we acknowledge Your presence at all times and be strengthened with a renewed faith and hope as this new year dawns. Have a Happy and Blessed beginning to the New Year!!!

The Presentation!!!

The gospel passage from Wednesday, Luke 2:22-35, and from Thursday, Luke 2:36-40, depict the presentation of Jesus in the temple. As we were told, the parents of Jesus brought him to the temple to do what is written in the law of the Lord. Coming into the temple they first encounter the prophet Simeon who has been waiting for this day. Simeon says, "Lord, now let your servant go in peace; your word has been fulfilled: my own eyes have seen the salvation which you prepared in the sight of every people, a light to reveal you to the nations and the glory of your people Israel." He also gives prophecy to Mary, "Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted (and you yourself a sword will pierce) so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed." Then today, the prophetess Anna appears and she has also been waiting for this day, "She gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem." As the newborn King was welcomed by Simeon and Anna in the temple, so may we welcome him into our lives, our hearts. Jesus is the promised Messiah, may we always prepare the way for his coming and may we be presented to the Father when our journey has concluded. God Bless You!!!

Family Time!!!

In light of our celebration of the Holy Family this past Sunday, I thought it would be good to have some family time during this Christmas Season. I am doing that right now, since I was not able to be with my family on Christmas Day. I will be back to regular blogs later this week. Keeping all readers in prayer!!! God Bless You!!!

Merry Christmas!!!

"Glory to God in the highest, peace to people on earth." The great song of the angels as the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, was announced. The angel of the Lord told the shepherds that he brought news of great joy for in the city of David, Bethlehem, a child had been born who is both Savior and Lord. That Good News was proclaimed at our Christmas Masses. I pray that news will continue to touch your lives and hearts in a very special way. May the joy and peace of this Christmas Season be with you. Know that you are remembered in the Masses I offer and my prayers during this Christmas Season! Have a Blessed Christmas Day!!!

Christmas Eve!!!

We have arrived at the eve of the Solemnity of Christmas! In a few hours people will be heading for church to celebrate this glorious feast. I have three Masses to offer, one in each of the three parishes of Washington County. Last year we were receiving our share of snow and right before the Masses started the snow really came down. This year the weather is looking up. There is no snow, but some slick spots with the little drizzle that we had. I pray that everyone will be safe as they travel, not only to church, but to be with family, friends, and loved ones. Jesus Christ is the "Reason for this Season." He needs to be an important part of our daily lives. Let us renew our faith, trust, and love for Jesus, the newborn King, as we celebrate this great solemnity. Have a blessed day and a joyous Christmas Eve!!!

The Herald!

Our gospel today, Luke 1:57-66, is the birth of John the Baptist, the herald, the forerunner of the Messiah. We remember that John's father, Zechariah, was struck mute because of his disbelief at the angel's message. When he writes to the people gathered for John's circumcision that the boy's name will be John, his speech is returned. As the commentary states, "Lo, I am sending my messenger. The divine destiny of the Baptist resounds in the conviction of his mother's voice: 'He will be called John.' Elizabeth and Zechariah recognize in this infant the one who 'shows sinners the way.' The friendship of the Lord is with us - the new covenant" (Magnificat, 321). John the Baptist prepared the people for the coming of the Messiah. He is the herald of the Good News and we are called to do the same in our own lives. Let us continue to do our part as we prepare to welcome the newborn King on the glorious feast of Christmas. Have a blessed day!!!

A Hymn of Thanks!

Everyday is Thanksgiving Day! All that we have is a gift from God and we are to be thankful in every way, every day. The Blessed Virgin Mary is a beautiful example of thanksgiving. In the gospel today, Luke 1:46-56, it is a continuation of Mary's visitation to her cousin Elizabeth. As we know, Elizabeth sang the praises of Mary and the baby in her womb, while her own baby, John the Baptist lept for joy in her own womb. What we have in this gospel passage from Luke is Mary's Magnificat, her prayer of thanksgiving for what God had done in her life. Mary said at the very beginning, "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, for the Almighty has done great things for me" (Lk 1:46). Many generations have called Mary blessed and she is because the word spoken by the angel of the Lord has come true. Mary is indeed the Blessed Virgin Mother of God's only Son, Jesus. Through Jesus, we have received the forgiveness of our sins and the hope of eternal life. Mary's "Yes" to God's will is another beautiful example for us. Like Mary, let us always be thankful for the gifts that God bestows upon us, and may our thanks always be a hymn of praise. Have a blessed day!!!