Dear Parishioners,

At the end of this season of travel that began at Thanksgiving, coinciding with the beginning of Advent, it is fitting that we celebrate the “travelers” who journey from the East in search of the “new born king”. Although scripture scholars remind us that this is not an historical event but rather an infancy narrative pregnant with theological and scriptural meaning, the journey of the Magi has captured the imagination of artists through the centuries. It is also timely in our own age when there are so many people who are refugees and immigrants, people fleeing from poverty and the ravages of war. There are so many in our world scanning the heavens for a Star that will lead them to a place of hope, peace and promise as the Magi find in the home of Mary and Joseph. (Note that in Matthew’s story, the Magi arrive not at a manger but at a house!) Speaking of Matthew’s gospel, it is helpful to know that his narratives are meant to be interpreted in the light of the book of Exodus. For Matthew and his community, Jesus is the new Moses. The stories of Jesus’ birth and early days mirror those of Moses. The similarities are too many to enumerate here but feel free to ask me.

The Christmas Season will finally come to an end on Monday January 9th. It’s the feast of the Baptism of Jesus which usually falls on a Sunday but this year on a Monday because of some anomalies in the calendar. It is a beautiful way to complete a season of prayer and worship where we celebrate God’s love for the world in Jesus, the Son. Let me finish this brief letter to you with the words of the Gospel:

After Jesus was baptized,
he came up from the water and behold,
the heavens were opened for him, 
and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove
and coming upon him.
And a voice came from the heavens, saying, 
“This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

I am sure that God is well-pleased with each of you who are God’s beloved daughters and sons!

Many blessings for 2017,

Fr. Bob