Pastor's Spiritual Reflections

By Fr. Leo Schneider (1/6/2008)

Dear People of Holy Name,

The Magi are rewarded in their long search for God when they finally come to behold the God-child, Jesus Christ. So moved are they, that they open their hearts and express their adoration in gifts of Gold, Frankincense and Mir. A star led them to the Lord, a light in the darkness.

The shepherds too received the angels’ invitation in the night, as God’s glory and light shown around them. They came to the Lord and received with joy, a God who would change their lives in restoring their dignity.

We are now in the darkest time of the year and the scriptures call us to come to the Lord, to seek the fullness of life in him, but what is our star, who are the angels calling us?

When we seek the Lord through eyes of faith we begin to see him all around us. For me, being a part of Holy Name is the star that brings me to the Lord. I find it a tremendous privilege to minister among you. God is so clearly present through the gifts and talents each of you share with the parish. Your faith is real as you pray, sing, laugh, question, and are just yourselves, present for one another. There is a warm and loving spirit among you I have come to treasure deeply.

Learning to treasure the people in our lives is a way of seeing the Lord-with-us. It is when we bring this treasuring to prayer that we make a place in our hearts through trust and hope, that makes us grow in God and deepen our lives, lived in the Lord. It is our deepened faith that in turn deepens our love for one another, and it is a marvel to behold.

As I participate in the different events of our parish, I am astounded by the tremendous spirit that is among us and the profound giving of self through some amazing talents. And while those may be the most obvious, it is the simple keeping-of-faith of any one of us, that creates the bond between us all.

Today let us celebrate the presence of God among us and be grateful that, in a world still darkened by the effects of sin, we have been given a great light through our faith community to guide us on our way, keeping our faith, hope, and love strong and vibrant. In gratitude, let us renew our own search for the Lord in prayer and self-giving, that His light may continue to grow among us and become a shining star for others, not yet a part of our community, who’s hearts long for the gift of God’s presence we share with one another.

May the Lord continue to shed his light upon us and may we come to share fully in the Spirit he offers us through his Son, Jesus Christ. May our light be a light for those who’s pains are greater than our own, that together our burdens may be lighter and that the Glory of God shines around us.

May the Lord bless you and lead you in his light, and reward you in your search for the Lord-among-us.

In Christ Peace, Fr. Leo