Fr. Patrick Render, C.S.V. pastor Weekly Reflection for 12/23/2018 |
Dear Friends,
The fourth week of Advent is very short this year. It begins at midnight on Sunday and ends at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, Christmas Eve. The readings for this Sunday point us to places and events that precede the birth of Jesus – exalting the tiny city of Bethlehem and recalling Mary’ssolicitous visit to her cousin Elizabeth. Both offer contrasts and insights that shed light on thearrival of the Messiah. Bethlehem, the city of David’s birth, is insignificant among all the im-portant cities in Israel and yet from it will come the descendant of David who fulfills the promised lineage and bring Messianic harmony and peace. Mary, in the mystery of her own pregnancy, rushes to be with her cousin, a barren woman who has also been miraculously touched by God and called to bring forth life. Elizabeth and her unborn child represent the old covenant and Mary the beginning of the new covenant to be fulfilled through the child in her womb. Eliza-beth’s infant “leaps” at the approach of the promised one, suggesting his recognition even whileboth are still in their mothers’ womb.
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Both the ordinary and the extraordinary are revealed in these readings - and they lead us tothink about both dimensions in our own celebrations of the Lord’s birth. We celebrate itamongst people who are ordinary in our lives, familiar people of family and friends. We greet one another in ordinary ways with hugs, embraces and we gift one another with presents that serve as expressions of our care and affection. We share food and memories and renew bonds with those we love – ordinary gestures and experiences and yet, they include extraordinary grace and life. God is present to us in them, revealing love and care, providence and promise. The divine within is the extraordinary – but only effective when we recognize and receive it. It is likewise revealed through us for them. How unlikely, we may think, but nevertheless true. Can you see it? Do you believe it? Can you trust it? Will you let it resonate within you as joy and grace?
As Catholics we value the notion of sacramental signs: visible signs of invisible realities. Christmas is filled with sacramental signs - if we look for them and if we can appreciate them. May each of you be watchful and ready to see the signs that offer you grace during these holy days –and may you find joy in knowing that you are each such a sign for someone else. The shepherds heard angels singing and the Magi saw stars in the sky. own signs as well. Merry Christmas!
May you each discover your own signs as well. Merry Christmas!
As Catholics we value the notion of sacramental signs: visible signs of invisible realities. Christmas is filled with sacramental signs - if we look for them and if we can appreciate them. May each of you be watchful and ready to see the signs that offer you grace during these holy days –and may you find joy in knowing that you are each such a sign for someone else. The shepherds heard angels singing and the Magi saw stars in the sky. own signs as well. Merry Christmas!
May you each discover your own signs as well. Merry Christmas!
Saint Viator Feats 10/21/2018
Last Sunday’s celebration was a great success! I hope that all of you who were here had a goodtime and enjoyed all the food, the music and the entertainment. I know that the children enjoyed the piñatas and the cotton candy; you could tell by their faces! Thanks to everyone who brought food or made donations for the event. Special thanks are due to all the members of the Pastoral Council who planned and worked to make it such a great occasion for our parish community to come together. The church was full for our liturgy and my thanks to all the visiting priests (and one bishop) who came to join us for the Feast of St. Viator. The bilingual liturgy was a wonderful way to recognize all the diversity among us and yet our unity in Christ which we experience through the Eucharist.
Thanks to the choirs, the cantors, the lectors, the Eucharistic ministers, the ushers and all who shared in that special Mass. We owe Fr. Moises a special word of gratitude because he is the one who worked behind the scenes to prepare the liturgy. A special guest on Sunday was Mr. John O’Malley who was one of the first children baptized in the new church and who faithfully participated and served this parish during most of those ninety years. He is a living witness to a great portion ofthe church’s history and came back to join us from his retirement.
Thanks to the choirs, the cantors, the lectors, the Eucharistic ministers, the ushers and all who shared in that special Mass. We owe Fr. Moises a special word of gratitude because he is the one who worked behind the scenes to prepare the liturgy. A special guest on Sunday was Mr. John O’Malley who was one of the first children baptized in the new church and who faithfully participated and served this parish during most of those ninety years. He is a living witness to a great portion ofthe church’s history and came back to join us from his retirement.
