Priestly Ponderings …
As I write this column for our monthly Newsletter, Christians throughout the world continue to celebrate the Twelve Days of Christmas. This celebration will culminate on “twelfth night” which is the Eve of the Feast of the Epiphany that commemorates the arrival of the Magi at Bethlehem and their offering of gifts to the Lord. Thus, the Season of the Epiphany with its revelation that the child at Bethlehem is none other than the Light of the World begins as our Christmas celebration draws to a close. Much like life itself, as one chapter or season closes another begins and each new beginning holds a myriad of promises and opportunities.
In the midst of the feasts and seasons of Christmas and the Epiphany, each with its own distinct message about new beginnings, a new calendar year also begins on January 1st. This particular New Year’s Day falls on a Sunday and, therefore, brings whole new meaning to the term “Anno (year) Domini (Lord)” or “2012 A.D.” The 2012th Year of Our Lord - begins on a Sunday, our traditional day of worship and celebration of rebirth and resurrection in Christ Jesus. How fitting it is that with all the challenges facing God’s people at home and abroad, Christians throughout the world will greet this new calendar year gathered together in worship, prayer, and sharing in the Holy Communion. This uncanny timing of festivals and holidays might serve as a reminder that our continuing life in Christ, our years together, are very much shaped and formed by our weekly gatherings as a community of faith here at Holy Cross.
I look ahead to this New Year at Holy Cross with much optimism: Our parish continues to grow in faith and love, just as we also are growing in number; and slowly, carefully, and intentionally, Holy Cross is emerging as a stable presence and witness in this community to the unconditional love of God.
I invite you to consider 2012 as “the” year of new beginnings, new opportunities, and new life for all who gather at this great and loving parish.
Yours in service to the Gospel
Allan +
As I write this column for our monthly Newsletter, Christians throughout the world continue to celebrate the Twelve Days of Christmas. This celebration will culminate on “twelfth night” which is the Eve of the Feast of the Epiphany that commemorates the arrival of the Magi at Bethlehem and their offering of gifts to the Lord. Thus, the Season of the Epiphany with its revelation that the child at Bethlehem is none other than the Light of the World begins as our Christmas celebration draws to a close. Much like life itself, as one chapter or season closes another begins and each new beginning holds a myriad of promises and opportunities.
In the midst of the feasts and seasons of Christmas and the Epiphany, each with its own distinct message about new beginnings, a new calendar year also begins on January 1st. This particular New Year’s Day falls on a Sunday and, therefore, brings whole new meaning to the term “Anno (year) Domini (Lord)” or “2012 A.D.” The 2012th Year of Our Lord - begins on a Sunday, our traditional day of worship and celebration of rebirth and resurrection in Christ Jesus. How fitting it is that with all the challenges facing God’s people at home and abroad, Christians throughout the world will greet this new calendar year gathered together in worship, prayer, and sharing in the Holy Communion. This uncanny timing of festivals and holidays might serve as a reminder that our continuing life in Christ, our years together, are very much shaped and formed by our weekly gatherings as a community of faith here at Holy Cross.
I look ahead to this New Year at Holy Cross with much optimism: Our parish continues to grow in faith and love, just as we also are growing in number; and slowly, carefully, and intentionally, Holy Cross is emerging as a stable presence and witness in this community to the unconditional love of God.
I invite you to consider 2012 as “the” year of new beginnings, new opportunities, and new life for all who gather at this great and loving parish.
Yours in service to the Gospel
Allan +
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