WITH YOU I AM WELL PLEASED

                This weekend our liturgy returns us to Ordinary Time. Most of our lives are lived in the ordinary routine of everyday living. We celebrate special occasions throughout the year which are exceptions to the routine of everyday life.

                Throughout the calendar year, we celebrate various occasions that are special to us as individuals like birthdays, anniversaries and family events. Then there are special occasions that we celebrate together like Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter.

                Christmas is the celebration of the Birth of Christ in which we honor Christ as a child in the manger surrounded by his family (Mary and Joseph), and his friends (the shepherds, Magi and others). But Jesus does not remain a child forever. He goes on to do the everyday work of His heavenly Father.

                For our special celebrations of Christmas many people were so helpful in making the season very special for all of us and our visitors. None of what we celebrate could come alive without the many efforts put forth by those who plan, prepare or arrange the celebrations. Everything that happens comes together because of the many generous people of St. Louis who offer their time and talent to bring the Joy of the World to life.

                At the Baptism of Jesus at the Jordan River by John the Baptist, the Spirit of God in the form of a dove appears and hovers over Jesus and the voice of the Lord can be heard: “This is my beloved Son with whom I am well pleased.”

                If we listen closely, we too will hear the voice of the Lord speaking to us: “You are my beloved with whom I am well pleased.” Thank you to everyone for making our Christmas celebrations a wonderful, prayerful, and spirit filled time of year.