Dear friends in Christ

Last year ended on the sad note of the death of Pope Benedict XVI. And yet, the thing that marks this great Pontiff's legacy in my mind—perhaps more than his brilliant theological mind and his steadfast defense of tradition and truth—is his insistence that now, more than ever, we need to be joyful. I think back to an interview he gave in 1997—then as Cardinal Ratzinger—in which he addressed the challenges that the Church faced in this dim postmodern age. During the interview, he urged a return to “unembarrassed joy”: a recognition, in faith, that “the world is basically good, that God is there and is good. That it is good to live and to be a human being. This results, then, in the courage to rejoice, which in turn becomes commitment to making sure that other people, too, can rejoice and receive good news.” So, even as we mourn the loss of Benedict—a great Pontiff, a brilliant scholar, and a faithful servant of Christ—we can remind ourselves that this is an occasion, too, for joy. Let us pray that our beloved shepherd, Pope Benedict XVI has entered into the everlasting joy that God promises all who love Him.

This Sunday following The Epiphany of Jesus, we celebrate His Baptism. By entering the waters of the Jordon to be Baptsied by John, Jesus shows us His humilty in submitting Himself to this ritual in solidarity with the rest of sinful mankind. He also makes holy the waters of Christian Baptism, whereby we become chlidren of God and receive the right of entry into the Kingdom of Heaven. This Feast is therefore a good moment for us to thank God for the supernatural life given to us—thanks to our parents and godparents—which is the promise of eternal life for those who are faithful to that grace.

God bless you!

Msgr Kevin Hale