This weekend’s liturgy begins what is called Winter Ordinary Time. Winter is sometimes called the season of faith because we must trust in things we do not see. The life of plants is concentrated in their roots and hibernating animals have gone underground. Migrating birds have flown south as a number of our parishioners have done the same! (As you read this I will be south as well, basking in some warmth!!)

The same is true of our faith. Winter Ordinary Time is a time to trust in our call to be followers of Jesus no matter what. After last week’s feast of the Baptism of the Lord, we begin hear about the public ministry of Jesus: his life, his teaching, his miracles, the message he preached, his interactions with his disciples and the encounters he had with so many different people. We also hear of the conflicts and divisions that his presence unmasked.

This season begins with the call of the disciples in John’s Gospel. This is key to the weeks ahead and what it means for us to follow Jesus. After celebrating his birth, we hear him invite us to ‘come and see’ where he lives and what he is all about. Let us rediscover this exciting and challenging call of Jesus.

These weeks ahead, hopefully, will prepare us for the season of Lent which asks us to re-examine our own relationship with God and how we respond to that invitation Jesus sends our way.

I am grateful to Fr. Andy Remillard for stepping in and covering for me while I am away. I am sure you will welcome him back to St. Michael’s.

I look forward to being back with you next weekend.