Dear Parishioners and Friends,
Leave it to Lucy to say what we are all probably thinking. We are only just past half-way through the first month of 2026 and already we have experienced some very tragic moments, both at home and abroad. The terrible fire in a night club in Switzerland which killed 40 persons and injured more than 100, most of whom were teenagers, and the shocking events in Minnesota might cause us to wonder if this is what’s in store for the rest of the year.
If you’re thinking, like Lucy, that we’ve been stuck with a used year, you might not be wrong; however, our liturgical readings for this Sunday should help us to think a bit differently. Each of our read-ings imply that something new is happening, and we are invited to open our eyes are bit wider and see that God is with us in our joy as well as our sorrow.
From Isaiah we hear: “I am made glorious in the sight of the Lord, and my God is now my strength!… I will make you a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.”
From St. Paul we hear: “To you who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be holy, with all those everywhere who call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ… grace and peace from God our Father…”
And from John the Baptist we hear: “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world… Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God.”
The Scripture readings we hear at the start of a new liturgical year always stress the impact of Emmanuel – God with us. Having celebrated the time of waiting and preparation for the birth of Jesus, we now begin a period of being called as disciples to follow him once more and to live the Good News he came to share.
Although so much of the news of today is bad or tragic, the good news of the kingdom of God is anything but. It is important for us to try to keep a healthy balance between the reality of the world around us and the life we are called to live as brothers and sisters of Jesus Christ: a life of servant discipleship as people who have been called out of darkness into his own wonderful light.
May we find joy and fulfillment in the many ways we have been called to serve one another in the name of Jesus. I see that joy in the way you serve the hungry, making and distributing sandwiches; preparing and serving hot meals twice a week; working as a team at the House of Bread. In all of these activities and more, we allow the light of the Gospel message to be proclaimed, not just in words, but in selfless deeds of mercy and love.
We have no idea what the rest of the year ahead holds for us as individuals or as a nation. I’m sure it’s going to be a bumpy ride, but with faith in each other and our better angels, we can be sources of compassion in a world of animosity and light in a world of darkness.
I like to reflect on the sentiments of the Serenity Prayer, which is more relevant with each passing day:
“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; the courage to change the things I can; and the wisdom to know the difference. Amen.”
Blessings on your week ahead!
Fr. Tim Shreenan, O.F.M.
Pastor
I hope you will be able to join us next Saturday, January 17th, as we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the covenant with our Sister Parish of Saint Geneviève in Haiti. We will begin with Mass at 4:00 PM and then move to the Franciscan Center for a festive party with Haitian-inspired food and drink.
We will also share the latest news from the Ste. Geneviève School, a special message from Pastor Father Gaby, and beautiful feedback from students about their family and life in Haiti. Hors d’oeuvres and drinks will be available and every family or individual will receive a commemorative mug. There are no fees or reservations needed, so please join us from 5:00 to 7:00 PM for this historic milestone!