I hope everyone had a great Christmas. I also want to thank you for all the well wishes, cards and gifts. I really appreciate your generosity and friendship. And now have a Happy New Year!
With New Year’s come resolutions. We have a couple of days to think these over. Most of us will make some and break some soon after. Here are a couple of suggestions: Try a little extra prayer. A few minutes more a day can really add up in our relationship to God. Be available for those in need, especially those close to us. Be a little more patient. Seek forgiveness when we sin. Forgive those who have hurt us.
Faith in St. Joe County had a leaders’ meeting recently. Nicole MacLaughlin was one of the presenters and did a wonderful job. We had over 15 people present from the parish out of a group of about sixty strong. There are now 11 different congregations committed to this community organizing effort. We are looking for at least 15 by the New Year.
Our first reading today tells us “the virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel.” We, as Christians, see this as Isaiah prophesizing the coming of the great king, Jesus.
In today’s Gospel, Joseph finds out that Mary is with child and wants to break off the engagement quietly, but the angel of the Lord appears to him in a dream and tells him to take Mary as his wife and to take care of both the Baby Jesus and Mary. Joseph, like Mary, says Yes to God and the rest is history, the Holy Family!
In our second reading, Paul preaches Jesus to the Gentiles as well. He concludes with a blessing for all of us: “to all the beloved of God in Rome, called to be holy. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” This is a great blessing for the new year.
Let us continue to pray for peace in the world. Let us also pray for vocations to the church. Let us pray for the sick of the parish. Let us pray that all will come to respect life. Let us pray for one another and for the canonization of Father Tolton. Let us also pray for those who are victims of sexual abuse and mass shootings.
A Venerable Father Tolton Prayer: Father in Heaven, the Venerable Father Tolton’s suffering service sheds light upon our sorrows; we see them through the prism of your Son’s passion and death. If it be your Will, O God, glorify your servant Father Tolton, by granting the favor I now request through his intercession (mention your request) so that all may know the goodness of this priest whose memory looms large in the Church he loved. Complete what you have begun in us that we might work for the fulfillment of your kingdom. Not to us the glory, but glory to you O God, through Jesus Christ, your Son and our Lord; Father, Son and Holy Spirit, you are our God, living and reigning forever and ever. Amen.