Beginnings and gratitude

As the new year begins, I look backward with gratitude and forward with hope: gratitude for the blessings of the past year, including the conclusion of 15 years of ministry in Boston and a new assignment in Connecticut, good health for my family and myself, the blessing of good friends and colleagues; gratitude for the advances made in combatting the coronavirus with the development of vaccines.

I look forward this year to a fruitful ministry in my school, my parish, and in my spiritual direction practice. I look forward in hope that as a world-wide community we will conquer the pandemic which has impacted the lives of so many around the world. I look forward in hope that we can overcome the hatred and bitterness that has divided our country for a number of years and that we can come together in the pursuit of the common good.

I look forward in hope that our celebration of the birth of Christ will re-energize our spirits, remind us of the divine presence always with us, bear fruit in our lives, and that Christ will be reborn in us each day.

This week’s collection of photos are from my Boston visit during the last week of 2021. A blessed and happy New Year to you all!

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8)