News - December 2019 RSS Feed

Parish news and updates for the week

Summary: Today’s gospel presents us with Joseph having an experience, yet again, of God coming to him in a dream. You will recall that it was in a dream that God told Joseph to take Mary into his home and now he is instructed to protect Mary and Jesus by fleeing into Egypt. Joseph remains open to all of God’s commands even though they come in a dream-like fashion. Each person in a family has a dream for their life and for their family. Clearly the primary figure in this passage is Joseph and although he does not say a word, his actions speak loudly of his trust in God.

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Summary: Here we have the preamble to the story of the birth of Jesus. In this story we hear that it was by the power of the Holy Spirit that Jesus was conceived in the womb of Mary. We also are allowed entry into the mind of a perplexed Joseph, who being the just man he was, would not expose Mary to ridicule of being pregnant out of wedlock. In a dream all is made clear to Joseph and he follows God’s instruction and takes Mary into his home. Again the name Emmanuel surfaces and we see again that God indeed wishes to be in our midst, to be with us.

Parish news and updates for the week

Summary: John the Baptist is imprisoned and he sends his disciples to seek out Jesus to inquire if he is indeed the one who Israel has been awaiting. Jesus responds by indicating the works he has done. Go tell John what you hear and see: the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them. This indeed is good news of great joy. John the Baptist has laid the ground work and paved the way for Jesus. Jesus is the One, and He brings joy to those who have long awaited this good news. John the Baptist plays a pivotal role in announcing the One who is the Good News.

John the Baptist preaches the great need for repentance, in order for people to make the changes needed for harmony to exist in the community. John does not mince words with the religious leaders of the day and speaks to them about getting their houses in order because one mightier than he is about to appear on the scene.

Parish news and updates for the week