A Letter from Fr. PaUl - January 8, 2017

We have received word that the fifth well is finished in Tanzania. New pictures are in the book in the vestibule of the church. Congratulations and God’s blessings on all who contributed.

It was good to see so many people at the Masses for Christmas. Hopefully, our attendance at Mass strengthens us to live a life as disciples. I invite you to encourage people you know to come and be with the community for more than Christmas and Easter. Sometimes an invitation from someone makes all the difference. That is “evangelization.”

This weekend we celebrate the Epiphany of the Lord. The word “Epiphany” means “manifestation” and through the Magi the Messiah was manifested to the whole world. He had already been manifested to the Jewish people through the shepherds. This feast is emphasizing the reality that this Child is more than what He appears to be: he is actually the Son of God. He is the Savior of ALL people. He is Emmanuel, God-with-us.

His presence continues today: God is with us in the people around us, our family members, an annoying co-worker, the beggar on the street. He is being manifested to us, but do we always recognize Him? I invite us to reflect this week on how well we do at recognizing and responding to Emmanuel, God-with-us, in the people around us. The more all of us can do that, the more “peace on earth” we will have. May we all have a blessed 2017!

-- Paul James Portland, SDS