Dear Parishioners,

Today in the Gospel, we witness Jesus teaching in the synagogue in Nazareth, His hometown, as well as in the other towns in Galilee. People are amazed and listen intently. Teaching and passing on the faith is an important part of our journey as disciples. It is good to ask ourselves how we are listening and learning more about God’s love for us, Jesus’ saving grace, and the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. We have the great benefit of many saints and scholars who have gone before us and help to provide insight through their experience of God’s love.

Dear Parishioners,

It is now ordinary time in the Church year. As you walk into the Church this week, it will look so different with all the Christmas decorations down. It seems that in a blink of an eye – the seasons of Advent and Christmas are gone. Yet, we carry the way the Lord has spoken to us in history, mystery and majesty in these special times into the natural order of ordinary time.

Dear Parishioners,

Merry Christmas! Today we complete the season of Christmas in the Church. It has been a nice extended period for us to soak in the mystery of love revealed in the crèche and the cross. The Baptism of the Lord is celebrated today and helps us make the transition into the public ministry of Jesus. He submits himself humbly into the waters of the Jordan so that he might sanctify the waters of baptism for all Christians who follow.

Dear Parishioners,

Merry Christmas and Epiphany blessings! The word epiphany means manifestation, striking appearance, and we often use it to indicate a deeper understanding or revelation of something that was confusing or unknown. Today we celebrate the Solemnity of the Epiphany – God’s revealing His love for all nations. The preface of today’s Mass says, “For today you have revealed the mystery of our salvation in Christ as the light for the nations, and, when He appeared in our mortal nature, you made us new by the glory of His immortal nature.” He comes to save all nations and for us to share in His divine and immortal nature.