Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
 
Today we hear of the transformative power of God in our second reading.  It is the grace of God, through His Son Jesus Christ, that is the cause for our joy.  To be a people of His ministry, to be available to serve the Lord at all times, in good times and in bad.  We are a people who give God Almighty praise and thanksgiving for bringing us beyond ourselves into a marvelous light, the world in which Christ lives.
 
Today we celebrate Catechetical Sunday and we begin a new year of Catechesis with the theme of “Stay with Us.” In all things we need the presence of God, and in all things we need to employ His grace.  To infuse every situation with the intentionality of presenting His guidance and strength.  We ask the Lord Jesus as our first teacher to stay with us and guide us in knowing the will of God in our present situation, to be confident in Him with unwavering trust.
 
Each of us is called to live out the message of salvation and to celebrate those who proclaim Jesus Christ as our source of Life.  In Baptism we have been made adopted sons and daughters and we became brothers and sisters of Jesus Christ.  It is because of this family connection that we have become a people who now knows of the profound mystery and power of the Sacraments and can live with Hope.
 
Let us thank the Lord and give Him praise and always say, “Stay with Us!”
 
Pax Christi,
Vy. Rev. John B. Gabage, V.F.