Dear Parishioners of St. James:
Praised be Jesus Christ!
One of the key figures in the Advent Season is the Blessed Virgin Mary. Of course, we know that Jesus Christ was born of her and, therefore, she is the Mother of God. But before the Savior’s birth, Mary teaches us faithfulness and love in her responsiveness to God’s grace. Mary teaches us how to receive Christ and how to share Him with others.
After the angel Gabriel announced God’s designs that Mary would be the Mother of the Word incarnate, the Blessed Virgin went in haste to share her divine Son with her kinswoman Elizabeth. Love demands to be shared. Mary greeted her cousin with words so filled with faith that St. John the Baptist leaped in his mother’s womb as he heard both her voice and His Redeemer’s through her. When we share our faith with others (who are open to the Holy Spirit) they will receive it with joy. God knows who needs to hear the good news of faith that we bear. Do not hesitate to share your faith confident that the Lord will make it fruitful.
Our Lady believed that the Word of God spoken to her would be fulfilled. Do we believe in the promises of the Word of God? For example, the Lord’s promises of eternal life for those who receive the Most Holy Eucharist worthily; being born again by Baptism; being treated mercifully by God if we show mercy to others; that Jesus Christ is preparing a place for us in Heaven? Our Lady believed and is therefore glorified forever. May we learn from her who is called blessed forever to believe God’s Word and share Him with the whole world.
God bless you,
Fr. Geary
Saint James Catholic Church 