Fourth Sunday of Advent

My Dear Parishioners,
 
We have arrived at the Fourth Sunday of Advent and the celebration of the Lord’s Day. Next Sunday we will celebrate the feast of our salvation, the Nativity of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ. Of the four Evangelists only Luke and Matthew tell the story of the birth of the Savior. In today’s Gospel we hear Saint Matthew’s version of this event and of the prominent role Saint Joseph plays within it. Joseph is the quiet man, the obedient man who is faith-filled and open to the bidding of God. Like his spouse, the Blessed Virgin Mary, Joseph places his life in God’s hands even though he is unsure of what will be. Saint Joseph is a loving husband who goes to great lengths to protect his wife and the child who will be born to them. He is the protector of this Holy Family, its guardian and strength.
 
We are at the threshold of the feast which commemorates God’s Gift-giving to us, the birth of our Savior. We are continually reminded in the Sacred Scriptures of the generosity of God and the blessings which He continually bestows upon us. In one verse of today’s Responsorial Psalm we find the words, “ He shall receive a blessing from the Lord, a reward from God his savior.”  This “he” is the servant of God, that is, all those who place their trust in the Lord. We, you and me, are hopefully in this group. As we seek to be in God’s company so He blesses us for He is the “King of Glory.”
 
This year Christmas falls on a Sunday and presents a situation where the regular Sunday offering could be overlooked by some, a concern of many pastors who need the regular weekly offering for parish expenses. Here in our parish I am always grateful for the manner in which our parishioners respond so generously with “special gifts” to the parish at Christmas and Easter. I share this because I want to reinforce and encourage your generosity to the Church in appreciation to God for sending us the very best gift, His Son Christ the Lord.
 
With next Sunday being the last Sunday of the year let me remind you that your financial gift to our Church is a charitable donation to a non- profit corporation which is beneficial to you in tax reporting. Your donation of cash, stocks or other financial instruments are greatly appreciated and can bring blessings to us for years to come. I say THANK YOU to all of you who support the Church with such love and generosity. I pray that the Lord will reward you for your fidelity in this life and in the life to come!
 
See you in church for Christmas!
Father Zig