Dear Parish Family,
The Fourth Sunday of Advent beautifully encapsulates the essence of this sacred season: promise, hope, restoration, repentance, transformation, and joy. These powerful themes do not emerge from the halls of mighty rulers or material wealth. Rather, they spring forth from the hearts of simple and humble individuals like Mary and Elizabeth, as well as from seemingly insignificant places such as Bethlehem and Judea. It is through these ordinary people and locations that the fulfillment of God’s promise is revealed.
In a world often captivated by the image of the “strong man,” wielding power and ambition, God chooses a different path—one that surprises and transforms. He selects the weak and humble to bring forth profound change: transformation, hope, restoration, and new life. Who are these ordinary individuals? They are us. We are called to recognize our capacity to effect positive change within our communities, bringing hope and light to those around us. Through our collective efforts and our parish family, we can be instruments of God’s hope in a world that desperately needs it.
Consider Elizabeth and Mary, who were filled with awe at how God worked in their lives. Overwhelmed by His presence in their humble circumstances, they were reminded that God often chooses the lowly to accomplish His great works. Even the unborn John the Baptist leaped for joy at Mary’s visit, a profound testament to the immense and abiding presence of God.
As we move closer to Christmas, let us envision ourselves in this same light. How might God use us to reveal His power and presence in our world? This season should be a time when we deeply experience the presence of God and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. It is a time to radiate love, reconciliation, peace, and unity in our homes, families, and friendships.
Let us awaken our minds and hearts to appreciate how God has used our unique talents and skills to bring about positive change in our communities and society. Each of us has a personal calling—a beautiful and powerful gift that can inspire hope and joy in those around us. This Advent and Christmas, let us take time to celebrate not only the birth of our Savior but also our successes and achievements in serving Him.
Together, let’s embrace the extraordinary ways God is moving in our lives and our communities.
In Christ’s love,
Fr. Rodel “Odey” Balagtas
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The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
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Fr. Rodel “Odey” Balagtas is the pastor of Incarnation Church in Glendale, California.