A Word From The Pastor
Baptism of Jesus: In order to lead the oppressed people of India to freedom from British rule, Gandhi adopted non-violent means such as fasting from food, vigils of prayer, peaceful marches, protests and civil disobedience. One of the reasons why Gandhi put on a loincloth and fasted from food, almost to the point of death, was to show solidarity with the Indian people, identifying with them in their physical sufferings. This finally brought independence to India. This Sunday we celebrate the baptism of Jesus. Jesus’ baptism by John was a very important event in the life of Jesus. First it was a moment of identification with us sinners. Sinless, Jesus received the baptism of repentance to identify himself with his people who realized for the first time that they were sinners. The baptism of Jesus reminds us of our identity. It reminds us of who we are and whose we are. By Baptism we become sons and daughters of God, brothers and sisters of Jesus, members of his Church, heirs of Heaven and temples of the Holy Spirit. It is a day to thank God for the graces we have received in Baptism, to renew our Baptismal promises and to preach Christ’s “Good News” by our transparent Christian lives of love, mercy, service and forgiveness.
Presbyterial Convocation/March for Life: Our annual Priests Convocation with Bishop Medley will take place at St Meinrad, January 14-17, 2019. It’s a great time to spend with brother priests. I will be attending the convocation for two days and on Wednesday the 16th I will be going to Washington with the High School students for the March for Life. I am not sure if the March for life in Washington is going to change the bill on abortion, but I am certain that it makes a lot of impact and transformation in the lives of those kids who participate in it. Please keep us in your prayers for a safe travel to and fro.
Men’s Conference: The annual Catholic Men’s conference of Western Kentucky will take place on Saturday, February 2nd at the RiverPark Center. The conference includes the following well known Catholic speakers: Dr. Edward Sri, Kevin Reilly and Mike Michalak. There is more information on the website www.kycatholic.com. Additionally, the Sacrament of Reconciliation will be offered to all who attend, and there will be Mass at the conclusion of the conference celebrated at St. Stephen Cathedral with Bishop Medley. The ticket cost is $30 each for adults and $15 each for students (lunch included). The event is limited to men who are high school seniors or older. I encourage the men of our parish to attend this conference if you can.
God Help the Fish: Sam Houston was the first president of the Republic of Texas. It’s said he was a rather nasty fellow with a checkered past. Later in life Houston made a commitment to Christ and was baptized in a river. The preacher said to him, “Sam, your sins are washed away.” Houston replied, “God help the fish.”
God’s blessings,
Fr. Suneesh Mathew
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