Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

As we begin another year, we bring to the Lord all our resolutions.  What drives our resolution? How do we keep our resolution? 

Celebrating the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord during the start of the year, we call to mind our own baptism.  As the Holy Spirit descended upon the Lord, so does God promise to us rebirth and renewal as He pours forth His Spirit upon us.  God loves us so much, He wants us to remain in Him and be always united to His love.  He wants us to have a fresh start.

As heralded by John the Baptist, we are asked to immerse ourselves in a baptism of repentance.  This baptism is founded on our firm resolution to heed God's call to seek His merciful forgiveness, and be cleansed of our sins through the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  God asks us to return to Him and change from a life of disobedience and sinfulness to a life of grace in total surrender and submission to God's loving will and commands. 

God's gift of the Holy Spirit helps us fulfill our resolution.  The Holy Spirit, who fills our hearts with a profound love for God, will move us to turn away from all that will offend Him who is all good and deserving of all our love.  The Holy Spirit will strengthen our resolve to reject all godless ways, and follow the path of God and live a life of grace in expectation of the coming of Christ, the beloved Son of God, in our souls.  

With our hearts purified and justified, Christ, our Messiah, then comes and saves us from all darkness and captivity, from all our sufferings, difficulties and trials.  Christ leads us to become heirs in hope of eternal life.  The Heavens are opened for us and the power of Christ and His redeeming love is revealed to us.

Moving forward onto 2022, let us continue thanking God for His healing miracles, unfailing goodness and love towards us, His beloved children.  Let us thank God for the powerful grace that our baptism brings. Let our baptismal gift allow us to behold the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ as we are endowed with His Spirit and fire, well pleasing to God in all things, recreated anew in faith, hope and love.

God is Love,

father Al