Dear Fellow Parishioners, As we enter the New Year the words of Luke 2:19 come to mind, “Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” It is worth taking the time to ponder (reflect) on the events of our lives and recognize the hand of God working in so many ways, and the lessons life teaches us when we take the time to review the happenings of our lives. At this time of year, many publications offer a “Year in Review,” “Faces of 2023,” “The best of 2023,” “The worst of 2023,” “Best fiction,” Best non-fiction,” “Best Movies” and the list goes on. But what about your life? What about your relationship with family, friends, work, retirement, health? What type of reflection and pondering is going on in your heart? Often, we face a new year and wonder and even worry about the things that will happen. Looking through the rearview mirror and recognizing that in all the events of the past year, we sometimes forget that God was present through the people sent to help us rejoice, or even help pick up the pieces. There have been times when we are there to celebrate, walk with others in their grief and challenges and to rejoice when, together, you saw the light at the end of the tunnel. What were the highlights of your Advent and Christmas journey? What did you need to do less of and more of during these seasons? Learn the lessons of the faith journey. As we celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany, it is a good idea to reflect on what you are seeking and searching for in the new year. The Magi were on a journey in search of the savior of the world. Many of us make New Year’s resolutions for the new year ahead. Have you taken the time to examine your hopes and dreams for you? Have you taken the time to ponder and reflect? How important it is for me to write it down in my spiritual journal, and then look back periodically to remind myself where I feel God is calling during my faith journey. Like Mary, I want to treasure the events of life and ponder them in my heart. Let’s journey forth into the New Year and open our eyes to the many blessings we offer and receive.
Happy New Year! Fr. Bill