NKCC

The fourth candle reminds that Jesus comes to bring Peace to both the world and to people's hearts. Without Christ there is no peace in this world.

Today is the final Sunday in Advent.  We find our­selves with just several days in which to prepare for the Feast of the Nativity of the Lord.  For the first time in this liturgical year, we are hearing a part of the birth nar­rative.  Mary hears of her cousin Elizabeth’s pregnancy and she travels to see her.  When Elizabeth sees Mary, she is filled with the Holy Spirit and cries out, “Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb.”  As readers of the Gospel, we already know the identity of the baby in Mary’s womb.  This story is not primarily about Mary and Elizabeth.  Luke tells us this story to help us understand that this Jesus, whose birth we are about to celebrate is divine.  He wants us to know Jesus as the God who has come to dwell with God’s people.  We, as hearers of the Word, prepare to receive Him.  We are then sent to take Him to others like Mary did.

I would like to thank Fr. John and the Hispanic Com­munity for their inspiring celebration of the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe last Saturday.  The 6am Las Mañani­tas filled the air with beautiful music and prayer.  The tent was filled.  After the celebration, everyone feasted on pas­try and hot chocolate.  At 8pm, Fr. John cele­brated Mass for the Hispanic Community.  Again, deli­cious food was served after Mass.  The parish is grateful to Mr. Arturo Rubalcava who traveled from California to provide some of the music for Las Mañanitas.

Last week, with some help, I prepared Immaculate Conception Church for a much-needed freshening up.  It will take several weeks to clean, paint and carpet, but I assure you that you will be pleased with the results.

Please remember Simbang Gabi and Las Posadas will take place until Christmas.  Check the schedule for the Christmas Masses.  On Sunday, the 27th, we will have Baptisms at St. Michael’s.

As you will notice, the trees behind the convent (office building) have been cut down.  We are trying to prevent having to elevate the new Church.  In order to accomplish that, we need to demonstrate that we have adequate park­ing at ground level.  I have assured the parish that I will see that for each tree that is cut, three native trees will be planted.  In addition, the wood from the trees will be used inside the new Church.

Let us remain together in prayer this week as we pre­pare to celebrate the Incarnation of Our Lord Jesus Christ.  May He be born anew in each of our hearts.

—Fr. Lio