Gospel Reflections Feast of the Holy Family
A Child shall lead them…
This quote from the Old Testament book of Isaiah (11:6) has the answer you can use today. We have a lot of problems in our world right now: deeply divided politics, impeachment trials, the presidential campaign, Middle East tensions, and maybe even tensions in your family as well.
The Holy Family of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus also lived in a time of great unrest, violence, and anxiety. Yet they were at peace. What was their secret?
The Holy Family reveals how problems are often solved in families when children fight amongst themselves. Children naturally look above to their parents to fix things. They cry out to their parents, “Make him stop bothering me!” Children know they cannot find justice and peace at their own level. They naturally look for that higher authority to bring relief.
Mary and Joseph knew just where to look as well, to God above. They also knew that God had sent His own Son into their family, and your family too. They looked to Jesus, the Son of God, for answers. He is that higher authority where you can find the peace you might need now.
In the Los Angeles area you will soon have a place to learn where Our Lord is revealed and His wisdom made clear and understandable for your family today.
JANUARY 19TH: THE UNIVERSITY SERIES REGISTRATION OPENS. This large multi-parish adult education program during Lent connects your faith with real life from highly motivated speakers. It starts on February 27th and runs to April 3rd. Last year, attendance was well over 15,000 people in thirteen parishes in Ventura County and five in the Whittier-Bellflower area of Los Angeles. Those parishes will receive printed catalogs on January 19th, but you can see the full program at that time online at theuniversityseries.org. I started this program in 2002 and remain very happy to see the great response all these years. People want to meet Our Lord!
YOUR PARISH SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE DURING CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK. At the end of January, every parish school will offer an Open House event. Make a point to find out when that is. Meeting Our Lord and receiving a first-rate education is the very purpose of every Catholic school. You should come and see the latest in Catholic school education!
Like Mary and Joseph, you can choose to focus on Jesus for wisdom and guidance. He has the words of eternal life, and the way forward to peace and justice. He is the way you will have a Happy New Year!
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
Dear Fr Dave
Hope you had a Merry Christmas & a wonderful New Year ! Many blessings
& continue successes with the University
Series!
Always Kathy
Yes, I had a really great Christmas here, and hope did as well. The university Series is all planned and at the printer. Stay tuned at the end of January!
Good morning, Father Dave,
Thank you again for reminding us of the comparison of our times and the time of Jesus with all of the trouble around them and us today. I know you will have a busy time coming up with the University Series and best wishes for that. Father Dave, if you have need help with any typing I would be more than happy to help you no charges, of course, just volunteering. Sometimes when things get hectic I would be happy to help.
Happy New Year, Father Dave and God bless you.
Stephanie Toland
Hello Fr Dave !!
God Bless you and thank you for bringing us the University series. I look forward to it every Lenten season. Our Faith is so rich with so much to learn and it’s made possible through this program. Where we can’t find it anywhere else! I remember in the early days of my attending Bible Study I mentioned to you that education of our Faith is what we need. So many of us Catholics simply don’t even understand our gorgeous Faith. Thanks to you, I’ve received a wonderful education and continue to study our Faith. Something I can never thank you for enough! Thank you for your constant commitment and tireless efforts you bring to your flock. I said it before, I’ll say it again: you stink of sheep ♥️ meant quite lovingly
I am always happiest among the sheep!
Thanks you for your generous offer! The University Series Catalog is actually at the printer now and will be distributed the weekend of January 19th. Stay tuned! We will be looking for volunteers to help with the classes so stay tuned for announcements about that soon.
Hello Father Dave !!
Happy New Year!! We miss you in the Conejo Valley. I am looking forward to attending the University Series during Lent.
Cathy
Coming soon.