St James Catholic Church

Dear Parishioners,

On this final day of the Christmas season we celebrate the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. We hear in dramatic fashion of Jesus rising from the waters of the River Jordan, the heavens opening before him, the Holy Spirit descending like a dove, and a voice from the heavens proclaiming, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” Though not as visibly, we too have risen from the waters of baptism and received the Holy Spirit as beloved children of God. We pray that God is also well pleased with us.

“Here is my servant,” God says through Isaiah about a Chosen One, a Messiah, a Christ, who would bring justice and healing to the nations. Isaiah writes again and again in these chapters of the Messiah as a  servant, someone who would act on God’s behalf in the world. In this way, Isaiah foresees the character of the Messiah. The Messiah would serve God’s will, therefore, when Jesus insists on John baptizing him, He says it is “to fulfill all righteousness.” Righteousness is moral conduct in accordance with God’s will. Jesus was sent by the Father to save humankind. This is the service he was called to do and, in turn, the service Jesus now calls us to do.

Love, Peace, Joy,

Fr. Bob

On behalf of Carl, Patti, Mary Jo, Steve, Denise, Linda, Fr. Gene and Keith, and myself, I would like to express our gratitude for all the parishioners who sent cards, gifts, and prayers to us in the Christmas season. We certainly appreciate your thoughts, prayers, and support throughout the year. Together we all make St. James such a loving family.