A Word from Your Pastor February 6, 2011

A Word from Your Pastor

Dear Parishioners:

The weather outside is a reminder of the weather inside. At times, we can become cold and indifferent to our Faith. The Word of God comes to us and we have hearts hardened by sin and selfishness. It takes God’s faithfulness to us and His persistence in calling us to bring us back.

The Feast of the Presentation, which took place this past week (February 2), reminds us that God works with all kinds of prayer. Simeon, the old man, came upon Jesus, Mary and Joseph because he was prompted by the Holy Spirit and he responded. Anna, a widow of 84, came upon the scene because she was always there. Simeon and Anna waited patiently for the Lord to fulfill His promises, and then they shared the news of salvation with everyone.

When we have days away from School, or when the lights are out, as they were for some of our parishioners, we are reminded that our plans do not shape the environment around us. May we also learn that the Word of God can come to us in every circumstance. And may we come to see Christ our Light.


The Year of Prayer: The Nunc Dimitis

Simeon’s Prophecy to Mary, the Mother of Jesus is used in Night Prayer in the Liturgy of the Hours.

Lord, now you let your servant go in peace;
Your word has been fulfilled.
My eyes have seen the salvation
You have prepared in the sight of every people,
A light to reveal you to the nations and the glory of your people, Israel

Countdown to our Golden Jubilee: Getting to know Saint Timothy.

The Scriptures that include our Patron give us wonderful details about his life. He was from Lystra and his father was Greek (Acts 16:1). His Grandmother was named Lois and his mother was Eunice, and these were Jewish women of faith (2 Timothy 1:5). Paul had Timothy practice the usual Jewish practices of faith so that he would be free to assist in the proclamation of the Gospel among Jews (Acts 16:3).

From these tidbits we can learn that the Gospel is accessible to people of diverse traditions and backgrounds. Faith grows across the generations when it is lived with a consistent witness. Sacrifices that our culture calls for can serve as a means to promote Christ.