St James Catholic Church

Dear Parishioners,

“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand,” proclaimed John the Baptist as he prepared the world for the coming of the Messiah. We may not be preparing for Jesus Christ’s arrival in the flesh or plunging into the Jordan River, but John’s words apply just as much today as they did then. We must recognize and repent of our sins in order to be prepared for the Lord’s arrival in our lives in any way. And the kingdom of heaven is still at hand, glimpsed when we are reconciled with God and our neighbor. May we hear John’s words as if they were directed to us here and now.

In the story of creation, God created animals of all kinds, birds of the sky, fish in waters, wild and tame animals on land. God looked at it all and pronounced it good. No mention is made of wild animals preying on smaller animals or any two animals attacking each other. Eden was a paradise. In order to portray the effects of a Messiah coming to Judah, Isaiah recalls the harmonious interactions of animals in Eden. This is God’s plan of coexistence among the myriad species of beasts. This is God’s peaceable kingdom. This is a model of the kind of kingdom Isaiah prophesies, John proclaims, and Jesus presents.

The harmony among the animals portrayed by Isaiah is recalled when Paul speaks to the Romans, asking that God may “grant you to think in harmony with one another in keeping with Christ Jesus.” Normally, it is a great challenge to think in harmony with others, even with just other members of your family. But if all are truly thinking in harmony with the Lord, agreement can be found. Importantly, it requires honesty, humility, and guidance from the Holy Spirit. May we take the time and effort during this Advent Season, to increase the harmony of the world.

Love, Peace, Joy,

Fr. Bob

Monday, December 8th is the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Patronal Feast Day of the United States. We celebrate Mass on that day at 8:00AM and 6:30PM.

Also a good day to ask Mary’s intercession: Friday, December12 is the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas. In light of our issues with immigration, her help is very much needed.