December 22, 2024

What a wonderful time of year! As we celebrate the Fourth Sunday of Advent, and usher in the Christmas Season, we recognize that this Christmas, like every Christmas, is special. You may be in a completely different space than you were last year. Perhaps health, career, family life, or even the passing of a dear loved one has altered your perception of the world significantly since this time last year. Even if things have stayed pretty constant over these past months you are, if nothing else, a year older and, hopefully, a year wiser. Things change, but thanks be to God, Christ remains the same. The Carthusian Order, a religious order of salutary monks begun by Saint Bruno, take as their motto: Stat crux dum volvitur orbis, which is Latin for “The Cross is steady while the world turns”. The cross is steady. What depth there are to contemplate? Even in this season of anticipation and joy, there is a hidden reminder – the simple wood of the manger foreshadows the cross. I urge you, from the bottom of my heart, take a moment in the coming days and simply sit and look at the manger scene, and then look at the crucifixion – this is what our Lord came to do – His life, death, resurrection, and ascension work to set us free. 

In the new year, there will be much to do. Different projects and tasks will populate the parish calendar, personal priorities will change and develop, new opportunities will come and go, and through all of that our faith in the cross, and in Jesus Christ will remain. This is what our faith does for us – it gives us solid ground on which to build our lives; it provides the security of knowing that all of this, although often unclear, still has meaning. 

Many of us have family and friends who have drifted away from the faith. Perhaps you are reading this only because someone compelled you to go to church and you look forward to not returning again until Easter, if ever. Fear not, God is not through with you. All of us willingly here have the opportunity to say hi to those we have not seen for a while. We can reach out and be a witness of Christ’s heart welcoming the lost home, the weary rest, and the stranger new life. May we together be the people that Jesus wants us to be. If you are feeling lost in this season of joy, if you are uncertain what Jesus wants from you, or if you’re unsure that you even believe in all of this, please, have the courage to take some time to meet with me, your pastor. This simple web link will open an online calendar that anyone can use to schedule a time to meet with me – fradam.youcanbook.me – perhaps now is the time?

For next weekend’s bulletin, I will be listing out ways that you and your loved ones can grow in your connection with Christ and His Bride the Church. I hope these practical tips will be helpful, especially for those who are in need of a little reassurance in their faith. The coming year will be a time of change but it can also be a time to grow deeper in love with Jesus Christ. Will you join me on that adventure? 

Two Parishes, One Heart

Fr. Adam