December 4, 2022

Dear Parish Family:

Growing up we play games like Hide and Seek, I Spy with My Little Eye, and Where’s Waldo. They are aimed at trying to find someone or something that was hidden or hard to find.

In the gospel today, Saint John the Baptist reminds us the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. We’ll experience the fullness of the Kingdom when Jesus comes again. But Jesus began to usher in the Kingdom by coming to be with us. Where Jesus is, there is His Kingdom. We can experience a bit of the kingdom here and now. Are we
looking for it? Where can we find it?

I think we can find it in all the signs of hope around us. It’s easy to focus on what’s wrong. But what about what’s right? If we expect the worst, we miss the best. Sometimes it is just hidden among all the other things grabbing our attention. When we keep an eye out for it, we find it. Let’s look for signs of hope in the little things this week. Maybe in the smile of a stranger, the beauty of nature, in an unexpected blessing or little surprise that comes our way.

Saint Nicholas is here this weekend to bring us joy in anticipation of his Feast Day (December 6) with a treat for all of us! And don’t miss the blessing and lighting of our outdoor Nativity Scene today at 5:00 p.m. This beautiful presentation of the Lord’s Birth is meant to bring hope to all who look upon it.

This week we also celebrate with joy the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary (December 8). We honor the joy that God chose Mary to be the mother of His Son. It is a Holy Day of Obligation and Catholics must attend Mass that day. Masses for the Holy Day will be Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. and Thursday at 8:30 a.m., 12 Noon, and 7:00 p.m.

Love, grace, and peace!

Father Neil Sullivan