Looking Back Helps Us - Look Forward in Hope

Many of us would prefer to forget much of what we experienced in 2020, and the idea of looking back may feel like an ill-timed suggestion. Yet, as we celebrate the gift of God's love in the birth of His Son, Jesus Christ, we are reminded of the big picture and God’s plan for our salvation. When God’s chosen people were exiled from all that was familiar to them (an experience we have tasted this year), the word of the Lord came to them through the prophet Jeremiah: “For I know well the plans I have in mind for you… plans for your welfare and not for woe, so as to give you a future of hope” (Jer.29:11). We believe that hope was fulfilled in many ways, but most fully in the loving gift of Jesus with and among us – Emmanuel In the Holy Family, this fragile baby was dependent upon Mary and Joseph for His every need. And times of hardship like we have experienced remind us how much we are dependent on God’s loving presence in our lives, sharing our sufferings and lifting our chin so we can look up and see the blessings we have and those God has yet in store!

We believe that this Jesus who was born in a par-ticular place and time continues to act powerfully in our world today. We believe that Jesus comes in each of our hearts and each person we meet, which is why He can say, “I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink…” (Matthew 25:31-40). Whether in person, by phone or online, each of us has opportunities to bring Emmanuel into the lives of others. While none of us is perfect, I pray that collectively our parishes are communities where you feel at home and spiritually supported in this way.

We are in the midst of a special Holy Year of the Eucharist, another cause for hope and joy as Jesus is with us and Christ is in us! If we develop the eyes of faith to see His hand at work, we can see how Jesus Christ is longing to meet us in His Holy Word, in the Mass and the sacraments, and in prayer. In the parish community, we help one another to open our hearts to a closer relationship with Jesus and others who are striving to follow in His ways.

We are so grateful to all our parish volunteers and staff who helped us get started sharing the Mass online from the beginning of the pandemic. They continue to help us improve our livestreaming and recording for local cable.

Other volunteers as special Greeters, Ushers, and “sanitizers” allow us to offer in-person Masses safely with as much of the warmth of our Parish Families as possible. And we are gradually adding Communion visits to homes when it is safe to do so (right now only on the porch or at the doorway).

Whether you are a local resident, visiting for Christmas, or joining us from elsewhere online, I invite and encourage you to maintain the momentum of God's Spirit drawing you to grow closer to Christ – in our parish churches or in your local church back home. The honor of your participation (in person or by video) is the gift we have been wishing for this Christmas. On behalf of these communities of faith, I wish a Blessed Christmas and New Year to you and your loved ones!