A Letter from Fr. Paul - Sunday, December 31st

At the end of our Gospel reading for the feast of the Holy Family, we hear, the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom… What was it about the family of Mary and Joseph that helped the child to be “filled with wisdom”? Perhaps Paul gives us the answer in our reading from his letter to the Colossians, in which we are told to “put on” kindness, humility, gentleness, bearing with one another and forgiving one another.
 
If we look at those 5 qualities, we can see one common thread: it is the ability to think of other people and their needs, not just our own.  It is to let go of rugged individualism and the need to have our own way all the time, while considering the needs and opinion of the other.  The “wisdom” in all of this is that, when we act this way, we are happier ourselves, because we are letting go of tension and hostile feelings, building an atmosphere of peace and tranquility.  Then everyone is happier and at peace.
 
This reality has become clear to me through my many years of living in community with other Salvatorians.  When one person is upset and arguing, the whole community is uncomfortable.  When we can resolve difference with respectful dialog, the community is calm and everyone is happier. The ability to remain calm and resolve difficulties through dialog is crucial in a family, because children learn by watching their parents.  If we want our children to grow in wisdom, as did Jesus in the Holy Family, we must model that
wisdom for them.
 
The result of all of this is that “the peace of Christ will control our hearts.”  What a wonderful way to live.  What wisdom!  My prayer is that all of us can grow in our ability to “put on love, the bond of perfection,” as we move through 2024.
 
May you have a blessed and spiritually fruitful year of grace. 

Church sign of the week: The deeds you do may be the only sermon someone will hear today.