Solemnity of Mary

Readings: Isaiah 52.7-10, Hebrews 1.1-6, John 1.1-8

We, who have waited faithfully, patiently, and vigilantly during the season of Advent, must raise our voices and shout for joy, because the Lord our God is now with us. The call of the prophet today is a call to celebrate Emmanuel, God with us. It is a call to be joyful. God has fulfilled the promise he made through the prophet in the past. This is by revealing the hidden mystery of our salvation. Now, we are the favored ones. That is, as many of us as have received the newborn baby into our hearts. Revelation has reached its apogee today and the hidden mystery of the old covenant has been fully revealed in Jesus Christ. Therefore, we need no more public revelation.

The Word which was with the Father as Spirit is now with us both as flesh as well as spirit. Hence, while not losing His divinity, God through Christ his son, has condescended to become like us. What a great love that God has shown to us his people.

Therefore, today we celebrate Sacrifice. So, we too must be ready to sacrifice something for the good of our brothers and sisters as Christ did by coming to share in our nature. We celebrate today, Humility. So, we must learn to be humble from Christ who in spite of being God, took our nature. We celebrate the reign of peace. That is, peace not as the world gives it, but as God promised to offer it to those who believe in him (Jn 14:21). Also, we celebrate the accomplishment of hope in Jesus Christ.

Finally, today is a day of joy. So, I wish all of you my dear brethren a wonderful and fun filled celebration this joyful season. Therefore, let us: “Sing psalms to the Lord with harps. With the sound of trumpets and the sound of the horn, let us acclaim the King, the Lord” who is with us forever.

WISHING YOU ALL 'A MERRY CHRISTMAS' &

'A HAPPY, BLESSED NEW YEAR'!

MAY THE BLESSINGS AND JOY OF THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON BE WITH YOU THROUGHOUT THE COMING YEAR 2023 !

Fr. Terry