Merry Christmas!
As we celebrate the birth of Mary & Joseph’s son, I pray that the abundant joy of this wondrous season overshadows the struggles and sorrows that have been such a dominant part of our lives during this pandemic. As you and I well know, this is no ordinary birth, no common child. And while most people missed the significance of this momentous event when it first occurred, the angels proclaimed to shepherds, “Hosanna! Hosanna in the Highest!!!” And down through the ages we hear the prophets of God proclaim the many titles of this newborn son: “The Light to the Nations, The Prince of Peace, He is King of Kings, and Lord of Lord, He is The Messiah, The Christ, ...He is our Savior & Redeemer, ...He is our Brother, The Son of The Most High God!”
We who are blessed with the gift of true sight, to see more than “just another mouth to feed,” we who have “seen & heard” are the fortunate ones. We know that our God loves us with a love beyond all telling. We know that our God, who is willing to do such a great and loving thing, will stop at nothing to save us and be one with us. It gives us the strength and courage to take up our cross and embrace the will of God. We know that whatever hardship, whatever pain and loss that comes into our lives, God will never abandon us! Our Lord will always be right beside us.
If you are one of the countless people who have lost a love one recently, whether due to Covid-19 or other cause, my prayers, as well as our entire Redemptorist Community, are with you. The loss of a loved one is always difficult, but especially so during the holidays. Since most of us will not be gathering with our extended families and friends, I encourage you to reach out to those who are suffering, especially if they are alone. While call cannot replace the warmth of a good hug, it can assure our loved ones that they are, nevertheless, in our thoughts and prayers.
I would also encourage you to reach out to anyone you know who might be alone during the holidays. If you are comfortable with technology (or if you have a 12 year old handy) consider including them in part of your celebration by making a video call or using Zoom, or one of the other video conference services. Set a tablet or laptop at the head of the table and have them join you for dinner or desert. While we cannot be physically present with our loved ones, especially if they or you are in a higher risk category, it is even more important to reach out to them and assure them that our love bridges any gap.
Along with Fr. Chung, Fr. Tom, Fr. Eugene, and Br. Leo, as well as the entire parish staff, I want to wish you a very happy and blessed Christmas and a (much, much) happier New Year. May the birth of our Savior be a sign to us that indeed, “God is with us!” And may we live our lives faithful to The Gospel and boldly proclaiming that “we are with our God!”
In the Redeemer, Fr. Rick