This Sunday, as we enter the Third Week of Ordinary Time, we hear in the Gospel of Luke how Jesus begins His public ministry by proclaiming, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me.” This profound moment in the synagogue at Nazareth reminds us that Jesus’ mission is rooted in bringing good news to the poor, proclaiming liberty to captives, and announcing the year of the Lord’s favor.
As we begin a new year, this Gospel invites us to reflect on how we, too, are called to participate in this mission of renewal and hope.
This weekend is particularly special for our parish as we welcome several priests from our religious community visiting from London, Taiwan, and the Philippines. They are here for a provincial session focused on evangelization and the thought of Henri De Lubac.
De Lubac, one of the great Catholic theologians of the 20th century, beautifully taught that the Church is the Body of Christ, alive and vibrant through the Spirit. His insights remind us that true evangelization flows from a deep communion with Christ and the shared life of the Church.
Their presence this weekend is a reminder of the universal nature of the Church and the mission we all share.
As we begin this new year, we are invited to consider how we can each help to build up the Body of Christ in our parish and community. Whether by participating in ministries, extending a warm welcome to others, deepening our prayer lives, or serving those in need, we are all called to live out the mission Jesus announced in today’s Gospel.
Just as the Spirit anointed Christ, the Spirit also equips us to bring His charity to the world.
This year offers us countless opportunities for growth, service, and renewal. Let us be attentive to the Spirit’s call and open to where God is leading us. With joy and hope, let us embrace the opportunity to walk together as a parish family, grounded in the Gospel and strengthened by the sacraments.
Thank you for being part of our parish community. I encourage you to take a moment to greet our visiting priests and reflect on how you can contribute to the life and mission of the Church this year.
May we begin this new chapter united in Christ, filled with the Spirit, and eager to share His love with all we meet.
In Him,
Fr. Michael Therese
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