The Fourth Sunday of Advent – December 18, 2022
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December 17, 2022J.M.J.The Fourth Sunday of Advent – December 18, 2022
“Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid . . .”
Dear Parishioners and Friends,
As Christmas approaches, we realize more and more that LOVE is key. God so loved us that He sent His only begotten Son. Such love is only possible by the grace of God. Just as our heavenly patroness, Mary our Mother, radiated the love of Christ at the first Christmas, we must do the same. Even in the face of hate, betrayal, indifference, more than ever we are called on to show the face of love. Christmas is the antithesis to all the darkness that comes from sin. Let us all pledge to working together to build up our parish. Now is the time to offer encouragement, affirmation, and support to all. Let us love one another.
In the Gospel from Matthew for the Fourth Sunday of Advent we hear the words of the angel of the Lord to St. Joseph in a dream. The angel begins “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid. . .” This message was previously given to Mary by the Angel. The message “Do not be afraid” would become the message of the Lord, especially after His Resurrection along with His wish for peace. The very first words of Pope St. John Paul II when he was elected pope were the same. These words encouraged Catholics behind the iron curtain to remain faithful in the midst of persecution.
Fear can rob from us peace of mind, heart, and soul. Jesus offers us the anti-dote to all fear. He brings His glad tidings, the good news of the gospel. He offers us spiritual rebirth. He is Emmanuel, which means “God is with us.” The Lord takes our struggles upon Himself to ease our burdens. He is so good.
St. Joseph, the just man, or righteous man, shows us how to open ourselves to the Lord. St. Joseph trusts, he is holy, he is faithful and thus all God’s promises are fulfilled in his life. If we do the same, the Lord will also enlighten us on the way we should go. He cannot fail us since His love conquers all things and endures forever.
I remind you that our last Communal Penance Service is on Wednesday, December 21 at 7pm. Four confessors will be present: Fathers James MacDonald, Gabriel Wankar, Cameron Polette, and me. Please check this bulletin for the times of our Christmas celebrations.
Yours in Jesus, Mary, and Joseph (J.M.J.)
Fr. Mark G. Mazza, Pastor
