Let the Children Come…

Thank you to all you parents who bring your children to celebrate the Eucharist with us; they are a delight and joy and remind us of how wonderful a gift children really are. Please know that ALL children, no matter their age, are welcome here at St. Francis Xavier and by our Lord. To quote one of my favorite Scripture passages: “And the people were bringing children to him that he might touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this he became indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the Kingdom of God like a child will not enter it.” Then he embraced them, blessed them, placing his hands on them.” Mark 10: 13-15
God bless, Fr. Dan

A New Liturgical Season

Once again we are in the Liturgical Season that is called Ordinary Time which will run until Ash Wednesday. I think that this is an unfortunate title for this time of the Church year, as there is nothing ‘ordinary’ about what we proclaim and celebrate. Today’s readings call us back to the Baptism of Jesus where He is identified by John, anointed by the Holy Spirit and proclaimed to be the ‘beloved’ Son of the Father.
Now the work of the Mission of Jesus begins to proclaim and establish the Kingdom of God among us; which culminates in His Passion, Death, Resurrection and Ascension.
We also have been Baptized and now that the Christmas celebrations are over, we too are to begin the work of living lives that proclaim and recognize the active presence of our God’s Kingdom among us. How then can I do this, how can I work for justice, proclaim faith and hope and live in God’s love? Each of us in our own circumstance, vocation and stage of life are called to do this; and as we rely on God’s grace to hear His voice and empower us to live as His disciples; we are given the insight, graces and ability to live as His people, His children, the people He has redeemed and call others to experience the gift of our God. God Bless, Fr. Dan