I hope you are having a fruitful Advent season thus far. The Jesse tree,
decorated by our Children’s Liturgy Program children, is a welcome addition to
our Advent Liturgies, bringing to life the events in the scriptures throughout
this beautiful season. You are doing a fantastic job and I eagerly await next
week’s symbols.
Many thanks to our Knights of Columbus Council, (Grand Knight, Gary
MacDonald), and St. Dominic Youth Group and friends, (Director, Betty
Alilovic), for hosting our tree blessing and lighting ceremony and the evening
with Santa. I know this is a lot of work for both groups and you deserve our
thanks! It was a great and memorable evening. I think it should be said that
the most important aspect for me is to see the Knights and our Youth working so
closely together in co-operation and harmony, not for themselves, but for all
of us, to ensure us a great evening of fun and fellowship. In the midst of
their busy schedules at school, at home or a work, they have taken time out for
our parish community. Talking about busy schedules, I must thank Santa Claus
too, for visiting us, telling us wonderful stories and posing for so many
pictures with our children. No one could
be busier at this time of year! I must also say thanks to all of you who were
able to come and enjoy, not only the festivities, but the company of each
other. Your presence makes all the hard work and preparation worthwhile and
rewarding. Thanks again to all!
Why did Jesus praise John the Baptist as the greatest person born of a
woman and then in the same breath say that those who enter God's kingdom will
be greater than John ? John is the last and greatest of the prophets of
the old covenant. He fulfilled the essential task of all the prophets – to be
fingers pointing to Christ, God's Anointed Son and Messiah. John prepared the
way for the Messiah and he pointed others to Jesus the Messiah at the River
Jordan when he exclaimed, behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of
the world.
When King Herod tried to silence John by throwing him into prison, John
sent his disciples to Jesus after John had heard the reports about Jesus
performing signs and wonders and speaking to people about the coming of God's
kingdom. John wanted his disciples to hear and see firsthand what Jesus was
doing to bring the kingdom of God to those who were receptive and ready to
receive his message. Jesus confirmed for John that the miracles and healings
which he performed were in direct fulfillment of the Messianic prophecies
announced by Isaiah some 700 years previously.
When Jesus had answered the disciples of John, he in turn asked them a
question. "Why did you go out in the wilderness to see John the
Baptist?" "Did you go because you were hungry for the word of the
Lord?" Jesus said that John was more than a spokesman for God. John was
the faithful witness and friend of the bridegroom who pointed others to the
presence of the Messiah in their midst. Jesus contrasted John with the image of
a reed shaken by the wind. Unlike a reed which is weak and spineless and can be
easily crushed or bruised, John stood as a pillar of strength and truth in the
face of opposition and persecution. The Lord Jesus offers us the same assurance
of faith and strength of hope and courage to stand against every force that
would try to rob us of our faith and trust in God.
Please remember that the
“O” Antiphons begin on December 17th. |
| I wish you all a great week! Fr. Phil |
