St James Catholic Church

On this day in the middle of November, the month in which we remember in a special way all those who have died, let us reflect on our baptism.  When we were baptized in Christ, we were baptized into his death.  Therefore, we are with the Lord in life and in death.  Those who have died in the Lord, and their names inscribed in the Book of Life, are with him eternally while we receive him in the Eucharist.  Let us take consolation that we are always with the Lord, in life and in death.

Today’s readings call us to keep vigil as we wait for the light, for the dawn, for the One who called himself the light of the world.  What can help us as we wait in joyful anticipation?  Wisdom, for starters, for it enlightens us.  To find wisdom, as our first reading says, we must seek it.  To recognize it, we must perceive it.  And to perceive it, we must love it.  With wisdom, we prepare for our vigil by bringing that which will reflect and intensify that light, like the five wise virgins who brought flasks of oil.  For we know not when the Lord will come, nor do we know when and how we will see him in our midst.  Therefore, we must always anticipate the arrival of the new dawn, learning to perceive Christ in unexpected ways, in every person, place, and event in our lives.

Love, Peace, Joy,

Fr. Bob