In his message for the 56th World Day of Peace, which will be celebrated on January 1st, Pope Francis asks us to consider how the coronavirus pandemic has effected our daily lives, our relationships with others, and our concern for the world around us. He writes: “This experience has made us all more aware of the need for everyone, including peoples and nations, to restore the word ‘together’ to a central place in our lives. For it is together, in fraternity and solidarity, that we build peace, ensure justice, and emerge from the greatest disasters.” Here in our own corner of the world, we should consider what it means to be a family of disciples that prays together, works together, and journeys together in search of the true peace that the Christ Child offers us at Christmas.

At this time of year, our churches are more crowded than usual. This is a true blessing. Some of the people you see are here every weekend. Some come to church once or twice each month. Some join us maybe once or twice each year. And some are taking a chance again on God and on us. Do we welcome them with open arms? Do we make room for them in our favorite pew? Do we greet them with a smile, kind word, or best wishes for the holiday season? When we do these things, we do more to nurture our shared faith than any homily, parish program, or marketing campaign could ever do.

Let’s be honest. We are living during a time when too many people are afraid, angry, and anxious. We grieve over so much that has been lost. We are suspicious of our civic and religious leaders. We lack trust in our institutions. We feel alienated from each other. We lack a sense of belonging to our community and to one another. Too many of us do not come to church because we don’t see the point or because we don’t feel welcome or worthy to be here. But Pope Francis reminds us of a profound truth. He says: “We all need each other. Our greatest and yet most fragile treasure is our shared humanity as brothers and sisters, as children of God. And none of us can be saved alone.”

As this year ends and a new year dawns, it is long past time for us and for the Church universal to embrace the reality that we cannot prevail against the darkness of our times by retreating into our comfort zones. Over and over again, the Holy Father calls us to be a community of missionary disciples that opens wide the doors; welcomes the stranger; embraces those who feel left behind; and preaches the gospel with every thought, word, and deed. It is long past time for us, all of us, to become instruments of God’s peace in a world that is being torn apart by bigotry, division, and violence.

At Christmas and beyond, let us renew our core values of prayer, fellowship, and service. Let us reaffirm our mission to live the Gospel, share God’s love, and rebuild the Church. Let us open our hearts in welcome to anyone and everyone who seeks to know the Lord. Pope Francis says: “The time has come for all of us to endeavor to heal our society and our planet, to lay the foundations for a more just and peaceful world, and to seriously commit ourselves to pursuing the common good.” In this spirit, let us pray together, walk together, and work together to take care of each other and our common home. Peace and blessings to all! Merry Christmas! Happy New Year!

Reverend James M. Achadinha, Pastor
Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport
Contact: frjim@ccgronline.com

CCGR Weekly Newsletter (12-25-22)
Bringing Home the Word (12-25-22)
The Kids Bulletin (12-25-22)

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Call to Prayer
We Greet Your Coming

By Carlem Micklem