To My Spiritual Family of Holy Redeemer and St. Anthony, The Daily Grind of Love: With the Christmas season ended, and Lent still some weeks in the distance, the Church settles into the routine of Ordinary Time. Individually, we too find ourselves returning to the routine of daily existence. Especially in these cold and dark days of January and February, we may feel as though our daily routine is something mundane or even oppressive. During my time at the Coast Guard Academy, we used to refer to these bleak winter days as the “Dark Ages.” But may I suggest a more positive way of approaching the weeks ahead? Every single day of our lives we are called to be the hands and feet of Christ in the world. Doing such is seldom exciting. For most people, it involves such unexhilarating tasks as shopping for groceries, vacuuming the carpets, or dropping the kids off at basketball practice. Yet – in moments that may seem to be ordinary and uninspiring – there are tremendous opportunities for grace. A phrase I came across some time ago sums this up well: “The daily grind of love.” Though our regular tasks may be burdensome and exhausting, if we do them for Christ, and if we perform them with love, they take on a supernatural dignity and value. Think of a young mother caring for her newborn. Feedings and diaper changes and the cleaning up of messes are not the stuff of swashbuckling adventure. Yet if these tasks are done with great love for the child, they take on an aura of beauty and radiance. Young or old, single or married, widowed or the father of five, each of us can live out our own daily grind of love with fervor and with an eye to heaven. Rest assured, God approves of and blesses our small but earnest gestures of kindness and compassion. So even as January holds us in her icy grip, the warmth of our love can melt the coldness of our world. Let us relish our routines – for God, for others, and for the growth in holiness that will occur in our very own souls! Notes on Eucharistic Revival: The Eucharistic Revival called for by our bishops continues throughout this year, with a particular focus on parishes authentically living out their Eucharistic call. Fundamentally, we want to deepen our belief that the Eucharist is truly and substantially the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Christ. This is the Gift of Christ. This is the Sacrament he gave us. The Eucharist is not merely a symbol. The Eucharist is God. Wow! Therefore, when we enter the Church, we are entering the very presence of God. Jesus Christ is truly alive and with us in the tabernacle in a unique and life-giving Presence. We should recognize that Presence upon entering the sanctuary. A humble genuflection (lowering our body to one knee) is the traditional manner of acknowledging Christ’s Eucharistic Presence. If we are unable to genuflect due to health problems, a profound bow is also a way to recognize Christ. As we genuflect or bow, we can whisper a prayer of faith such as: “My Lord and my God!” or “Jesus, I believe that I am in your presence.” What we never want to do is to stroll into church without a recognition of the Blessed Sacrament. Jesus is there! He loves us! Let us rejoice in his Eucharistic Presence! Epiphany Praise: Finally, I want to thank our own Christine Porter for gathering such a talented group of friends for last Sunday’s Epiphany concert. The music was beautiful, the message was uplifting, and the fellowship was warm. Thank you, Christine, for providing such a lovely evening of song and prayer! Mary, Mother of the Holy Redeemer – Pray for us! Our Lady of Guadalupe – Pray for us! St. Anthony – Pray for us! St. Joseph – Pray for us! Fr. Steve