fourth sunday of advent

​My dear friends,
​
Well, here we are.  The Fourth Sunday of Advent has arrived.  Whether in person or virtually on our YouTube Channel (still hard to believe we have a YouTube Channel), we have journeyed together throughout this season of preparation for the coming of Christ this Christmas.  In many ways it is a journey and a calling home.
 
In the midst of all that we are going through this season, Advent is a joyful celebration of the condition we find ourselves in as Christians.  It announces that God is always moving towards us.  God is at work in the world and in our lives, ever creative and ever renewing.  The Lord comes to us every day if we are properly disposed, in prayer, in events and in other people.  Yes, even in the midst of a pandemic.  God continues to create and to reveal his love for each of us.
 
The good news is that we are pilgrims on the move and are going home to God's house.  The only worthwhile baggage to carry on that journey is good works and acts of loving service performed for Christ.
 
The liturgy invites us to allow this future hope to shape our present lives.  It's an invitation to see our life as a preparation for the great call home.  We have the assurance that in Christ God has opened up for us a future hope in a life beyond our time.  What we need to do is find the time and space to stop, reflect and recognize the hope we have been given in Jesus Christ.  Perhaps this is exactly what this pandemic has allowed us to do.
 
Without repentance, forgiveness and renewal there can be no real Christmas joy.  Yes, there can still be joy this Christmas.  While Christmas may be simpler and quieter this year, there is still joy to be found and lived out – in the revealing of God’s love for us in taking on our human flesh and becoming one of us in the form of a baby.  All done in and out of love for each of us.
 
Please be assured of my continued prayers and know that we are very much united in prayer at every Mass I have the honour of celebrating with and for each of you. 
 
May God continue to bless each of you and those that you love.  Stay safe.
 
Fr. Greg