On this 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time, we reflect on the Beatitudes which Jesus preaches at the beginning of His Sermon on the Mount. The thread tying all the Beatitudes together is humility. Humility is an attitude and stance that requires great courage and compassion on our part with a heartfelt tenderness and affection for others. Humility is the virtue par excellence of heaven. No one is more humble than God! With the Beatitudes, Jesus calls us to robe ourselves in this Godly attitude of humility.

The Scripture readings at the beginning of Ordinary Time always focus on the call of God for Christ and for His Church. On this Third Sunday of Ordinary Time, we hear about the first call of Jesus to His disciples. John the Baptist has been arrested, and Jesus settles in the sea town of Capernaum in Galilee taking up John's mantra, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." Jesus also begins calling His first Apostles, Simon and Andrew, James and John, to travel with Him throughout Galilee teaching and healing.

We've entered back into Ordinary Time after the Christmas season concluded last weekend. It's hard to believe, but we are also gearing up for Lent which begins with Ash Wednesday a month from today (February 18)! The progression of the liturgical seasons helps us to focus on various elements of the Paschal Mystery throughout the year. Ordinary Time situates us especially in hearing and answering the Lord's call in the here and now.

We conclude the Christmas Season this weekend with the celebration of the Baptism of the Lord in the Jordan River. Jesus, who is born among us, is revealed as God’s Son in his baptism. We become his daughters and sons in our own baptism. Yes, Christmas tells us that Jesus became like us. We should strive to become like him. In baptism, we are made his own!

Happy New Year! Hope you are having a wonderful Christmas season. Please know that Fr. Scott, Fr. Gary, and I pray for you and your loved ones in this season. This season is a great time to start again, to walk more closely with the Lord, and to let His light guide our journey.