In The Sacraments We Encounter Christ The Savior.

Ordinary Time

In his homily at my priestly ordination, Cardinal John J. O’Connor told my classmates and me, “The greatest homily that could be preached to you about your priesthood does not come from me, but from the Priests and Bishops who are here in this Sanctuary… You will find them weak at times, tempted at times, even sinful at times; you and others may rant or rave about their inabilities or their lack of zeal, but these brothers of yours have never given up.”

It was a beautiful testament to the grace of perseverance in one’s vocation, which is the grace of Christ persevering with us and bearing fruit in those who humbly accept his graces. The Cardinal told us to seek Christ in the Eucharist and in the gift of the Holy Spirit in times of discouragement.

As we depart from the Christmas season and enter once again into Ordinary Time, let us recall that Jesus promises to be with us, not just in privileged moments like Christmas Day. He promises to be with us Always. (Matt. 28:20) Most of Jesus’ life from infancy to twelve and from twelve to thirty, was seemingly ordinary, as witnessed by neighbors who hear him preach and say, isn’t this the carpenter’s son? (Matt. 13:55)

As we move from Christmas into the ordinary, let us not forget that Jesus continues to walk with us in the daily routine of life which he has sanctified, and continues to sanctify, with his abiding presence.

(Published in January Magnificat)