Dear Friends,
On this Second Sunday of Ordinary Time, fresh from the celebration of the solemnity of the Epiphany of our Lord, Mother Church offers us stunning readings for our instruction and reflection. We know that the adoration of the Infant Jesus by Magi manifests, shows forth Jesus to be the Savior of all peoples. He is truly the light of all the world.
This weekend, our first reading from the prophet Isaiah confirms Jesus’ universal mission ~ “It is too little, the LORD says, for you to be my servant, to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and restore the survivors of Israel; I will make you a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.” And in our Gospel, John the Baptist testifies that Jesus is the Son of God who baptizes with the Holy Spirit. God desires to join all of us to Himself.
This is the message of Faith, the work of our Redeemer, the hope and strength we have in this broken and fragile world. We are created in love by God, to live in love for God by loving Him and our neighbor by the power of His grace. Because Jesus took onto Himself our sins, suffered, died, and rose we are set free from sin and death. We become divinized, sharers in the intimacy of Divine Life, by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit through Baptism and Confirmation. We experience forgiveness and healing through the Sacrament of Confession and are fed with the Bread of Life, the very Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus Christ in Holy Communion.
What a glorious calling we have received through Faith in Jesus Christ. What a glorious life we are given by His Blood poured out upon the Cross and His resurrection from the dead. What hope motivates us in this world through all its upheavals and uncertainties, strengthening us to keep our eyes fixed on the world to come, on heaven where we will see God face to face.
May our gratitude and thanksgiving to God for His overflowing generosity and love strengthen us to share Him and His ways joyfully with our brothers and sisters. Witnessing the Good News of salvation to others extends the Kingdom of God in this world and makes us disciples on mission for the Lord. It is the task entrusted to us by the Lord Jesus Himself just before His ascension into Heaven.
As missionary disciples, we walk in the footsteps of the giants and heroes of Faith, all the Saints of all time. The witness of their lives in Christ should encourage us on this journey. Persevering in faith, hope, and love may God’s grace enlighten us and strengthen us to be all that He has created us to be.
God bless you, God love you,
Monsignor McCulken
