Dear Parishioners and Devotees of the Sacred Heart,
Peace of Christ!
The night of Bethlehem resounds with a marvelous announcement: "Glory to God in the highest and on earth, peace to those on whom his favor rests." (Lk 2, 14) – The entire plan of God is reflected in this sentence. And Jesus adds, in the gospel of John, "I have come so that you may have life and have it to the full." (Jn 10, 10)…
Dear friends, the Lord enters into our world and becomes one of us, in order to invite us to create a better world, a world of solidarity and peace, beginning with our own families, our friends, and our groups. God is not so much interested in what we have done in the past, our failures and our mistakes. What interests the Lord is our future.
The Child in the manger reminds us that the greatest gift we can give this Christmas is not an electronic gadget or a branded piece of clothing … but it is a sincere forgiveness, a warm embrace, a moment shared, a helping hand, or a broad smile…
Our gifts, this year, could be very simple, reflecting the simplicity of love and life – but, of course, this does not prevent us from also giving material gifts, because this, too, has a place in our celebration.
I pray for all of you to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. Have a blessed Christmas.
Rev. Fr. Roderick L. De Castro
Shrine Rector / Team Ministry Moderator
