Appreciating the Season to the End

01-10-2016Weekly ReflectionFr. Brian Jazdzewski

We are quickly coming to the conclusion of the Christmas season as we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord. Once again we are most grateful to those who offered support for our celebrations during the Christmas season. There were volunteers who decorated the church, people involved in ministries during the Masses and the like. On behalf of those who were blessed to have prayed in our church during these past holy days, thank you.

Then there are parish members among us who provide the prayerful support which aids our parish to keep growing in faith. You are one of those members who offered prayers for the mission of our parish, thank you for your past and continued prayerful support.

Additionally, on behalf of the Wendt household and I, a sincere word of gratitude is extended to those who blessed us with cards and gifts of many sizes. A general thank you is extended to those of you who took the time to directly remember us in your Christmas observance and shared your kindness with us.

As things go, we struggle to live in the tension between relishing the past, celebrating the present and looking forward to the future. Thankfully we are given a variety of celebrations about the Lord’s life to reflect upon the many aspects of the saving mysteries. So while we continue to appreciate the joys of the Christmas season, we realize that Lent will quickly be upon us; 10 February, (Ash Wednesday) to be exact. So its our responsibility to remain focused on the mysteries at hand and enjoy all the Lord has blessed us with.

Today, on the Baptism of the Lord, we are mindful of our personal summons from the Lord who called us at our baptism to be on mission. At the moment of our baptism we were given the indelible, invisible mark which claimed us as one of Christ sisters or brothers. Over time, we have embraced that call more profoundly and have taken ownership for the gift of faith. And, over time our faith has strengthened to bring us to where we are at this moment in time. Just like John the Baptist or Jesus, we continue to be sent on mission to bring people closer to Jesus through our thoughts, words and actions.

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