Posted on January 3, 2025 View all Pastor's Letter
Happy New Year, dear parishioners!
We began a new year a week ago, and I am sure we have asked God for guidance and protection to live in this new stage. I remind you that Christmas is not over yet. This Sunday, we celebrate the Epiphany of the Lord; today, Jesus manifests himself to all peoples as a sign that his incarnation is universal for all men and women of the earth. This Sunday, we pray for the unity of nations, especially for unity in our country, so that there are no more divisions and that we create bonds of unity and peace.
I like how the prophet Isaiah begins by exhorting us in the first reading, “Rise up in splendor, Jerusalem! Your light has come, the glory of the Lord shines upon you” (Is 60:1). That light that the prophet had seen is the star that the Magi see in the East, with many other men. The Magi discover its meaning. Others contemplate it as something that seems admirable but does not affect them. And so they do not react. The Magi realize that with it, God is sending them an important message, which is worth the trouble of leaving the comfort of security and risking an uncertain journey: the hope of finding the King leads them to follow that star that the prophets had announced, and the people of Israel had waited for centuries.
Jesus Christ crosses many people’s lives, but just like the star, many are not interested. A small effort would have changed their lives; they would have found the King of Joy and Peace. This requires the goodwill to seek him, move, and ask without getting discouraged, like the Magi, to leave our comfort and routine and appreciate the immense value of finding Christ. If we do not find him, we have found nothing in life because only He is the Savior: finding Jesus is finding the way that leads us to know the Truth that gives us life. And, without Him, nothing at all is worth it.
Like the Magi from the East, who do not remain in their comfort, I also invite you to know that in this New Year, we dare to participate in parish activities and all the projects we are creating as a parish. Your involvement will not only benefit the community but also bring personal growth and fulfillment. I have so many dreams and purposes for our parish, projects, and dreams that we would not be able to achieve without your participation. In this New Year, we are going to work on the formation of our ministries and put more emphasis on spirituality and prayer; the only way forward is to promote evangelization and spiritual growth; together with the parish groups, we will begin to work to give more life and more enthusiasm to our parish.
Finally, do not forget that this year, 2025, is a Jubilee Year; as a church, we celebrate the Ordinary Jubilee, which is celebrated every twenty-five years. The Holy Father Francis opened the Holy Door on December 24, a sign that we have already officially begun this celebration. He encourages us to “keep the flame of hope that has been given to us alive and to do everything possible so that everyone may regain the strength and certainty to look to the future with an open mind, a trusting heart, and a broader vision. The upcoming Jubilee can do much to reestablish a climate of hope and confidence as a sign of a new rebirth that we all perceive as urgent.”
Have a blessed week.
Fr. Alex
