St. Joseph the Worker

Parishioners of St. Joseph the Worker:

How have the first few days of 2024 been for you?  I pray that the days ahead will be ones of peace, justice, compassion, acceptance, and forgiveness, replacing the wars, injustices, apathy, disregard, and hatred. 

This weekend is the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord.  The scene of this has the Magi, the 3 Wise Men, coming to adore the Lord Jesus and offering Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.  Through these gifts, Jesus is shown to be the Priest, Prophet, and King.  He is the Eternal Priest.  He is THE Prophet sent by the Father.  He is the Supreme King. 

How do we respond to our Priest, Prophet, and King?  How do we show the world our belief in the manifested Lord?  Do others see the Babe born at Bethlehem in what we say and by how we act?

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This coming Monday is the last day of our Christmas season as we celebrate the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord.  The Lord Jesus Christ is baptized in the Jordan River by St. John the Baptist.  He had this happen so that He could show His solidarity with us.  What He had done, so, too, we must do. 

Do we know our baptismal date?  If so, great.  If not, why not?  That is one of the most important dates in our life---the day we became a child of God and given the great gift of faith. 

How do we attest to the fact that we are Catholic Christians?  Do others know that we are followers of the Lord?  Are we growing in our baptismal faith each day through prayer, Eucharist, Scripture, etc.?

As we close the Christmas season, let us commit ourselves to the Lord who was Incarnated for our salvation.  May the hope, joy, and peace of the Bethlehem event permeate our lives daily.

Your Pastor,

Father Joe