FR. RON'S RAMBLINGS FOR THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD

Winter has arrived with our first snowfall, temperatures this morning in the twenties, and celebrating the Feast of the Epiphany yesterday – all signs of the season. Our Epiphany carol sing was really amazing. Holy Trinity Church choir from Harvard/Bolton joined our own choir to lead us through the Advent/Christmas music and culminated in a spectacular rendition of the Alleluia Chorus from Handle’s Messiah. I found it very moving and came away feeling very proud.  We had a large turnout from our parish, who thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon.
 
   I am grateful to all who participated and sang God’s praises so well. Of course none of it would have happened without the capable and talented John Volpe.  We are indeed fortunate to have a music director with not only such ability, but with enthusiasm and energy and dedication to enhance our liturgies every weekend, as well as all our funerals and other special occasions. On top of that he provides an afternoon like last Sunday where so much community spirit is engendered. Thank you John for all you do.
 
   Today we celebrate the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, the official end to the Christmas Season. I am grateful to all those thoughtful enough to send cards, greetings, and Christmas goodies to the parish over these few weeks. It certainly added to our celebration.
 
   Today’s Gospel relates the story of Jesus’ baptism and how God the Father speaks His approval of His son. Jesus then goes forth into the desert for forty days before he emerges into His public ministry.
 
   Now we enter once again into Ordinary Time until Ash Wednesday next month. Then we will be following Jesus as He begins to reach out to the people and bring them His message of  hope. May that hope lead us though this new year as well.