Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
 
Today we look forward to so many new beginnings: a new school year, being in a new grade level, new academic responsibilities, or perhaps it is a new position at work, or having a new authority in our life, or perhaps a new diet or diagnosis has come through.  Whatever the case may be, it means we are going to experience something new. 
 
Do not let fear keep you from engaging in the experience of newness, but rather, allow the grace of God to permeate your being and allow you to look with the eyes of faith, to allow the encounter to be life giving.
 
We heard today that we ought to go out to all the world and tell the Good News! Telling others the good news can be intimidating if you have not done this previously.  Perhaps this is your new beginning, to let others know this Good News!
 
We hear the following words every Sunday within the Mass, “Behold the Lamb of God, Behold Him who takes away the sins of the world.  Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb.”  This is the Good News, that we can see with our eyes more clearly the reality that our sins are no longer ours and that we can be participants in the Supper of the Lamb – the paschal supper of transitioning from the bondage of slavery to sin to freedom in living for God alone.
 
Let us take courage to share our freedom to live in the Lord Jesus with those we encounter and perhaps even use the sentiments of the saints of all ages that faith in Jesus Christ is the only way we will find life to be lived truthfully and authentically. Let us take Jesus beyond the pews as we begin this new day and allow the work that was begun in us in the beginning come to fruition.
Let us together Live Jesus!
 
Pax Christi,
 
Vy. Rev. John B. Gabage, V.F.