Weekend Masses

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, We live in a world that seems to be full of fear . Acts of terror robberies and lots of other events have created an atmosphere where people are looking for “security” Into this scene comes today’s gospel where Joseph is told not to be afraid. We are told the same message. In a fearful world we can search for security but the reality is that our only security is in living a life that is full of love. The message of Christmas is that God so loved the world that He sent his only son that we might have life life to the full. The way we overcome fear and terror is by showing that there is a better way to live life. God calls us to live life through acts of love.’ Love one another as I have loved you’ “ By this shall all know that you are my disciples if you have love one for another’. Every Christmas I ask have I really tried… have we really tried to live that message? As we watch the children this Christmas retell the Christmas story and hear the angel voices proclaim Glory to God in the highest let us once again hear the voice of Jesus and the voices of angels throughout the gospels say fear not or do not be afraid. That is the message we need to hear this Christmas and in the coming year as we celebrate God’s love for us in a little child born in Bethlehem. Let us Journey in love with him for he has conquered the world. Merry Christmas ! to all of you and to your family and friends, Fr Karl  

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, I hope all of you who attended the parish mission enjoyed it. Fr Michael was very happy as he went back to Chicago Thank you for taking time out to reflect and journey in a different way. In today’s Gospel we hear the story of the Annunciation. It is a reminder that the Savior is near. Advent is a time of preparation of anticipation. For those of us who grew up in a different time a different place that sense of anticipation is often spoiled by the celebration of Christmas that takes place before the event. I remember my first Christmas here many years ago and the disappointment when on the day after Christmas I saw trees and lights in the alley and the Christmas music had stopped. For me growing up in a different place and time I was allowed to have that sense of anticipation and then enjoy the celebration that went on for the twelve days after Christmas. The Annunciation reminds us that a mother has to wait for the Child. Advent is about waiting and watching, anticipating the lighting of every candle over the four weeks preparing the way of the Lord. We listen as John the Baptist the voice in the wilderness challenges us, we wait with Mary and we journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Like life advent is a journey to and with the Lord.Hopefully we can find a little time to slow down and reflect on the wondrous things that are happening and realize we are being called to journey with Mary and Joseph and then celebrate with Joy His coming at Christmas and then as a Christian continue to celebrate through the twelve days to his Epiphany. As we light the pink candle today we know the Lord is near. Let us continue to journey and pray together as we await his coming. Pray for me as I pray for you, Fr Karl