So soon aft er Chr ist ma s, we give honor to the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. Except for the narratives in the gospel about Jesus' birth and the story of His being found in the Temple at age 12, we know very little of the daily life of the Holy Family. Yet, we can honor that particular family because it was chosen by God to be the vehicle of His gift of salvat ion to all people. It was a family with a mission from God, to be fulfilled when Jesus at age 30 would begin his three year public ministry. In a true sense, each family has a mission from God. Each family is meant to be the vehicle through which the gospel of Jesus is lived out fait hfully and truthfully. If each family would recognize the great dignit y given to it by God, then our world would be a better place. As we honor the original Holy Family, let us pray that our own family may recognize its own holiness and great value.
Today we celebrate the Fourth Sunday of Advent, and with it we look forward this week to the great celebration of Christmas. As we move toward this solemn celebration, let us give thanks for the faith that has come down to us from all the generations since the birth of Christ. We owe much to those generations and must ensure that future generations may look back in thanksgiving toward us for having persevered in the Faith. It is an obligation that our ancestors took seriously and one that we should take seriously. In a world that is full of strife and unbelief, may the true spirit of Christ mas reign in the hearts of all people as we sing “Glory to God in the Highest and on earth peace to men of good will.” A Blessed Christmas to all!
The Year of Mercy began on December 8. As you may know, Pope Francis has declared a Year of Mercy so that we all may focus on the mercy that God showers upon us. In the Beatitudes, Jesus teaches "Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy." In other words, the mercy that comes from God is related to the mercy that we show to one another, not unlike the words in the Lord's Prayer, "Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us." During this year of Mercy, as we rejoice in the mercy of God, let us focus on the Spiritual and Corporal works of mercy that the Church sets before us. Here is a reminder of those acts of mercy…
READ MOREThe Year of Mercy begins on December8. As you may know, PopeFrancis has declared a Year of Mercyso that we all may focus on the mercythat God showers upon us.
In the Beatitudes,Jesus teaches “Blessed arethe merciful, for they will be shownmercy.” In other words, the mercythat comes from God is related to the mercy that weshow to one another, not unlike the words in theLord’s Prayer, “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgivethose who trespass against us.” During this yearof Mercy, as we rejoice in the mercy of God, let usfocus on the Spiritual and Corporal works of mercythat the Church sets before us. Here is a reminder ofthose acts of mercy…
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