“Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord. (Lk 2:10-11)
Dear Parishioners and Friends of St. Hyacinth Basilica,
The angel who revealed himself to Mary in Nazareth and then to the shepherds in Bethlehem told them that time had already come, and God’s promise from Paradise begins to be realized. Only Mary’s consent was needed and the simple faith of the shepherds. The long-awaited Jesus, the Son of God in the Flesh, Christ the Savior came.
It was the end of Old Advent. After completing the Mission of Saving Man, Jesus returned to the Father. He remained among us in his Living Word and the Sacraments. He left the Church, a community of believers who are waiting for the Master’s promise, that he will one day return to take us to himself.
Today, we are waiting for this moment. When it happens, no one knows! But, the Lord commanded us to “watch wisely.” This vigil at the manger is, in a sense, the acquisition of the ability to look to the Newborn through the eyes of God the Father, angels, Mary and Joseph, shepherds and Wise Men. It is a look at LOVE, which we need so much every day, not replaced by many gifts, but by its true touch of kindness, a heart full of goodness and wishes that bring hope to the near fulfillment of them.
The angel speaks with a voice of love for each of us: Do not be afraid! Fear of what will happen today and what will happen in the future is not justified, when the Newborn God is already among us. It is this Great Joy, a joy that is fulfilled within us and through us in the ever-ongoing history of salvation. May this joy be a beautiful gift and wishes that we will make to ourselves this Christmas.
On behalf of my brother priests, sisters and employees, I bless with all my heart.
Rev. Stanislaw Jankowski, CR Pastor