Happy New Year!

“…whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him” (Col 3:17).

What if for 2024 we did everything in the name of the Lord Jesus?!  What if we took a moment and stopped and before we did anything, we prayed, “In the name of Jesus, I do this action….”  There would be no sin because it just doesn’t make sense to sin in the name of Jesus.  We would think twice before we entered into whatever activity we were entering into.  Or at the least, it would help us better discern that we are entering into either a life-giving action or a selfish, sinful action.  If we do anything this year, let’s take these words of St. Paul to heart and strive to do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus!

As we enter into 2024, be mindful that Pope Francis has called us to enter into a “Year of Prayer” as we prepare for the “Jubilee Year” of 2025.  Our Holy Father is calling for a daily renewal of the joy and commitment of being men and women of prayer.  He reminded us that prayer needs to come from the heart…“not like parrots. No. From the heart.  May the words that are spoken come from the heart.”

Lastly, please note that not only is next Sunday, January 7, Donut Sunday, but we will also be having a Ministry Fair.  Tables will be set up around the perimeter of the gym with different ministry areas that God may be calling you to serve.  Take a moment and prayerfully discern how God is calling you to use your gifts to love and serve the Lord and one another.  God gave us this day, this year, this life.  It’s a gift not to be ignored but to be entered into with great zeal!  Life is a gift; don’t waste it.  Take these words of St. Josemaria Escriva to heart: “Don’t let your life be sterile. Be useful. Blaze a trail. Shine forth with the light of your faith… and light up all the ways of the earth with the fire of Christ that you carry in your heart.”

May we do everything in the name and love of Jesus!

Fr. Jeremy