May Jesus Christ, our redeemer who reconciles us to God and one another, be with you!

Today, the universal Catholic Church's theme is about  "new beginnings."  The Catholic Church begins her new liturgical year on this First Sunday of Advent.  Our Gospel reading for today reminds us:  "Be watchful! You do not know when the Lord of the house is coming.  However, we do know that Jesus Christ, our Savior does come on Christmas day.  On that day, Jesus Christ comes to us as  our redeemer who leads and guides us to the eternal kingdom.  He brings newness and freshness to our lives.  This new liturgical year offers us an opportunity to renew our commitment and relationship with Jesus Christ.

There is also another "new beginning" for the Church.  It is the use of the new prayers to be recited at Mass from now on.  The new wording for Mass, offers a deeper spiritual connection between  Christ and us, the Church.

This new liturgical year and the new words at Mass, have a purpose and a challenge. Their purpose is to urge us to continue our relationship with Jesus Christ while we journey toward the kingdom of God.  The challenge is to keep using our gifts which are given to us by God.  As disciples of Christ, we must renew and refresh ourselves so that we don't lose track of where we are to end up: heaven!

May we be enriched by these "new beginnings" while we deepen our relationship with Jesus Christ and one another.

Have a blessed Advent Season.

Peace,

Msgr. Britto