Dear Parishioners,
As you know, we are in the month of January of the New Year, hoping and praying that this new year will be very different from the old year 2020. January gets its name from the old Roman god Janus, the father of Zeus. Janus was a most unusual god as he had two faces—one in the front of his head and one in the back. So Janus was able to look forward and look back at the same time. In January, especially on New Year’s Eve and Day, we do the same thing. We remember the significant blessings as well as the difficulties of the past year that we and the world encountered, while we look forward to a brighter future. Only this year when we look back, the Covid-19 virus is going to overshadow all that happened—good or bad. However, as we look forward, the future—thanks to two vaccines—looks much brighter, and we can look forward to a brighter year.
Talking about bright, today we are reminded of the bright star that led the Magi/the 3 Kings/the 3 Wise Men to the infant Jesus. So how come King Herod and the people of Jerusalem failed to see the star? I believe the reason is they were not looking for it, nor were they looking for Jesus or even God the Father. Instead, they were focused on their own self interests: financial success, security, material goods, popularity, pleasure, etc. And so they missed the boat, or in this instance, the caravan.
As we look back on the past year, let us not
forget our family or friends who succumbed to the
virus, be grateful for our having survived, and pray for
the rapid distribution of the vaccines in the months
ahead.
May you and your families stay safe, healthy,
and have a Happier New Year.
Fr. Carl
