Sunny Days
My Dear Family,
On our “snow day,” Monday, January 6th, I am reminded of a winter at Notre Dame when we did not see the sun for more than a month, just grey clouds and the skeletons of trees bitten by the wind and cold. Sure, the sun was back there somewhere behind the clouds, but we could not feel its rays. Then one day, bright blue skies and not a cloud in sight! I traversed the quad to the dining hall sans jacket, thinking it would be warm, only to be surprised to learn that it was the coldest day of all. But the shining sun, brilliant and bright, made all the difference.
Oftentimes, the face of the Father is like that. We might be aware of His presence but in a vague and cloudy way. We might even forget as each day passes in the monotony of routine. And then, in a moment, a clear light shines. Last week, at the 10am Mass, as the lector proclaimed, “your light has come, the glory of the Lord shines on you,” a light streamed across my face from one of the round windows in the sanctuary. Quite moved, I felt the true and real presence of God as Father, and thought of the star that guided the Magi to Bethlehem. The moment reminded me, too, of the words spoken today by the voice from heaven.
The Magi visiting from the East, this little moment of grace, and the Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan, are all epiphanies, manifestations of God, the Lord revealing His presence and identity, like clear bright mornings amid scores of cloudy days. The moments that God chooses to make Himself known are hidden and mysterious, surprising, and delightful. They can be missed if our head is in the clouds, or we are navel-gazing.
During this time discussing the Secrets of Every Happy Family, one of our principles is mutual respect. One aspect of that respect is a father’s role in family life, his spiritual authority, and conversely the issues that often do arise when a father is absent, or critical, or present but in an unhelpful way.
One of the key things a father ought to do is bless his children. Going with the blessing of your father makes a significant difference in our confidence when we head out on some new adventure (think: school, job, summer camp, engagement, etc.). The special moment in our Gospel today (Lk 3:15ff) inaugurates Jesus' public ministry. We are made aware of this beautiful moment of blessing for Jesus. God blesses Him, “You are my beloved Son, with You I am well pleased.” Some version of these such words each of us longs to hear from our earthly father and from our heavenly Father. The specific formula may change, but in each case, they are words that confirm that we are loved, and more than that, that our father delights in us!
You call me Father; it is an honor for me to be known by that title. And despite the unworthiness that I often feel in this position as spiritual father or pastor, I call you my family and I do mean that in a profoundly spiritual way. We share a kinship not natural but supernatural; we are knit together by the blood of Christ, to whose Body we belong. And together, we share the mission of being a parish together. As your spiritual father, I want you to know that I delight in you! With you I am well pleased! You amaze me!
During these years together, we have been striving to take decisive action to move forward in mission together. And I am extremely impressed with your compassion and team spirit, with your grit and perseverance. We are doing amazing work here in this little corner of the world! I am grateful to God for this role and grateful to you in the way that you are dedicated to Building up the Body of Christ. There is still much work to be done, probably always will be. Please know that from my bosom, I delight in the reality of our parish family life together. “Your light has come, the glory of the Lord shines on you.”
Thank you for the ways you are dedicated to the Lord and his service! May God bless you, and may God bless our spiritual family in 2025!
Peace & Blessings,
Fr. Joel
