Message from the Pastor

“I will make you a light to the nations.” (Isaiah 49:6)

The images of light and darkness are familiar metaphors found in the Sacred Scriptures. On January 8, we celebrated the Feast of the Epiphany. It was the light of the star that led the Magi to the Newborn King, Jesus. Isaiah, full of hope, reminds the Hebrew people that in the midst of all that happens, they are called to reflect the glory and beauty of God’s presence. It is through the covenant of old that God has made them His own people. That relationship is the promise that God will journey with them throughout their history. Conversely, this relationship calls for a response from the people. As we hear in Isaiah, that means to be a light to the nations. God asks for this so that others may come to see Him as the Lord of creation.   

We, as inheritors of this covenant fulfilled in Jesus, are also called to be a light to all. That light comes from the way we live our lives. The “yes” to the call is to live as loving people. Love is not just a nice fluffy feeling but, more importantly, a life stance...a total response to God’s command. So, like the Magi, we may need to pack up our lives, leave behind the extra baggage, and journey to find Jesus. The Wise Men saw that light and were willing to follow it. We are called not only to recognize the light but also, more importantly, to be willing to learn from the light of Jesus.

To follow Jesus, we all need guidance by seeking the counsel of the “wise men” in our midst - those people who can help us identify the call of Jesus in our own lives. Take a moment and think about those people who helped you recognize “the Holy Spirit who came down like a dove.”  Maybe a mother or father, a grandparent, a religious sister or brother, or a favorite teacher. The more we seek out the power of Jesus, the more the darkness of sin will flee from the light of Christ. As Baptized Catholics, we are called to be the light to all we encounter. We engage in ministry to be that light to others, BUT we must remember that, like St. John the Baptist, we are called to defer our hearts to Jesus. The work we do, even if it goes unnoticed and unacknowledged, must give glory to the Jesus whom we have accepted in our lives.

When we respond to the call of service and do so with joy, we become a light to others and can be a moment of evangelization to those we come in contact with throughout the day. We have the power to lead others to Jesus...and the power to push them away from Him. St. John knew the ministry of his life was to reveal and acknowledge Jesus before the world...no different from our responsibility today. From his own sense of obedience to the Will of God, the Baptist acknowledges to his listeners that “One is coming after me who ranks ahead of me.” The prayerful acknowledgment that he is simply a messenger and servant of the One who is to come teaches us how to be a light. It must always be in humble service to what Jesus asks of us. How well do we present Jesus’ light to others? This is a question each of us must ask each day. May the Holy Spirit guide us to the light of Jesus.

Open House for our Elementary and High School is coming up in three weeks on January 29 from 12:00 Noon to 2:00 PM. I encourage you to look at what we have to offer. They are schools I am very proud of, and I’m certain you will find it a wonderful atmosphere to form your child in the Light of Christ.

On behalf of myself, Fr. Dominik, and Fr. Kingsley, we would like to thank all the parishioners who sent us gifts during the Christmas Season. We are most grateful to you for your generosity. A blessed, healthy, and joyful New Year to All!

In Jesus,
Fr. Bob