A word from Fr Gary
Kilcullen Parish Priest Fr Gary Darby contributes each month to The Bridge, Kilcullen's Community Magazine. As there is no January Bridge, we are publishing his piece for this month on the Diary.
The New Year is a traditional time to begin again and try to make our lives better, writes Fr Gary Darby. This is the origin of New Year’s resolutions. It’s also a time to reflect on what has gone before and the opportunity to think about new beginnings, during the weeks, months ahead of us all.
From a spiritual perspective it is a time good for us to realise fully the revelation of God’s presence in our church, in our parish, schools and family homes. A time to take courage and pride in knowing that we are part of God’s family. Feeling that there is a greater source of love, empathy and compassion taking care of us.
We need God as a priority in life! If we place God at the front of our lives, the promise of Jesus is that our lives will be full of joy, love and grace. The point is having God in our lives makes “Parish Life” and “Experience” a better place to be. In serving God, we serve one another. As well-known Christian theologian, pastor, and writer John Piper has said, “God is most gloried in us when we are most satisfied in Him”.
Recently, we celebrated the great feast of the Epiphany. Epiphany means manifestation. It’s a Greek word meaning to draw back the veil. Whenever we hear of epiphanies in the Gospel it means that God is drawing back the veil that covers a great mystery and all of us peer into this mystery. We are able to understand much more about who God is and who we are. All we need to do is knock on God’s door and it will be opened to us. Use the power of prayer, the strength of the Eucharist and our Blessed Lady to hear the voice of Jesus in our lives. To feel the sacredness of His presence in every breath we take.
In the Epiphany story the Magi saw and followed a star! We are on that same path that they followed. In our song and prayers, we glorify the same Lord of Heaven and earth, who will ultimately lead us home safely.
A PRAYER FOR HOPE Dear Lord, as the New Year begins, we look to You for our hope, joy and peace. Give us the courage to do all that You ask of us. Please also make us brave to not do what isn’t from You. Show us how to walk in Your grace and embrace Your love for us even more. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
On behalf of the Parish Pastoral Council and myself we wish you and your families a blessed New Year. May the good Lord protect us, keep us safe and Blessed Mother Mary look upon us with love as we journey into another year with the Lord.
God bless and take care.
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