“Look to him that you may be radiant with Joy.”

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

“Look to him that you may be radiant with Joy.”  Psalm 33

There are places in the northern hemisphere this time of year where the sun comes up for only a few minutes a day. On the opposite end of the earth, the sun barely sets. In the Mohawk Valley, sometimes we go for days or even weeks without seeing the sun come out. Nevertheless, the sun does rise each day without fail, everywhere, every single day of the year, and it rises in the East.

The Latin word Orior, which means “to rise,” is where we get the word Orient—meaning East. Upon rising from our beds every morning, Christians turn our hearts and minds eastward, that is, to Christ the true Sun. Prayer is the continual rising of our minds and hearts to God. We do this both in times of darkness (desolation) and light (consolation). Prayer, if it is to be fruitful, is done daily, morning and evening—even if for a brief moment, regardless of our mood or activity. God’s light is all around us, but it’s so obvious that it is almost invisible. Prayer is pausing to bask in the light of God.  

Prolonged basking in the Sun—that is, Christ—can take place in Eucharistic Adoration. Here, we enter into a darkened church, shutting off the distractions and lights of the world to adore God and receive from Him. You will be relieved to know that we will resume regular hours of adoration each week in the coming year. More on that to come.  

Christmas recalls Christ rising in the East at His first coming, that He comes to us in Word and Sacrament daily, and that He will come again no matter what. “The light shone in the darkness, and the darkness could not overcome it.” (John 1:5)  You and I are “The people who sat in darkness [but] have seen a great light.”

I have a great hope for 2025. I feel a new day is dawning. I pray that Holy Family Parish and St. Joseph’s Church will receive an outpouring of God’s blessings this year. It’s interesting that the word Orior can also be translated as “get up, to begin, to proceed.” I believe that Christmas is also a reminder for us to “get up” and “begin again.”    

If you’ve had a challenging year or find yourself losing Faith or Hope, may you find a new beginning this year.  Do not be afraid to get up and try again. God will see you through. Know also, that I am here to help, whether you are new to the Faith or a life-long Catholic.  

“For the word of His truth and wisdom is more ardent and more light-giving than the rays of the sun, and sinks down into the depths of heart and mind.” -  St. Justin Martyr

With every prayer for a Blessed Christmas, I am, Yours in Christ,

Fr. Slezak