Thank You and Feast of the Holy Family

12-30-2018Weekly ReflectionFr. James Aboyi

Traditionally, we are within the octave of Christmas so I can still say "Merry Christmas" to you all. I thank all those who helped with the different preparations such as the Christmas decorations and other events in the past weeks. I was glad to have come back from my trip to Nigeria right on time to witness our SJB Children Christmas Program. What a wonderful and memorable night! I thank the children and the school community for the wonderful performance. On a personal note, Fr. Wilfred and myself would like to thank all those who send us Christmas cards, gifts, and good wishes. May God continue to bless you all.

The month of January was named after a Roman god, Janus. In the ancient Roman Mythology, Janus was a caved god with two faces on opposite sides. It was believed that one face watched the past year, and the other watched the new year. While we do not believe in mythology, we believe that January is a month for taking a life inventory and for planning. As we look back at 2018, we thank God for all His blessings on us and ask for continued blessings in the New Year 2019. This time of the year, we mostly hear people talk about their New Years Resolutions/promises. This is not a Church tradition; however, it is important to plan and set achievable goals for the new year. As you make your New Years Resolutions, I encourage you to consider including regular Mass attendance, daily prayers and Scripture readings, and personal commitments to our parish in the coming year.

Our scripture readings today, on this Feast of the Holy Family, remind us to look to the Holy Family as our role model. We learn from the Holy Family of the need to be ready to make sacrifices for our family members. Never trade your family for anything because it is one of our greatest treasures in life. Some people put more energy into saving, or keeping, their jobs or public life than they do for their families. Our journey in life begins with our families and, for most of us, will have our family members around us at the end of our lives. Let us, on this day, remember to pray for those who are separated from their families and for those who have no family members to celebrate Christmas with. We also entrust the New Year 2019 to the intersession of the Holy Family, of Joseph, Mary and Jesus, for God's protection and blessings.

Wishing You a Blessed New Year.

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