Dear Parishioners,

We all like changes in the structure of the society, changes in the Church, and changes in the world. As we pick up our daily newspapers, see how many people are wandering today through the valley of darkness, valleys of hatred, misunderstandings, war and enmity. How many are being exploited, persecuted and misused. We all feel the need for a change but we rarely change when we are enclosed in our own weakness, staring at our own mistakes. The change (the conversion of heart) is possible when we are encouraged to see the best in ourselves. In today's reading we hear four voices encouraging people to imagine a good future that God has in store for them. They all invite us to imagine the best and then act accordingly.

In the first reading the prophet asks the people to change their wardrobe: to throw away the dress of sorrow and distress and wrap the cloak of God's integrity around them. Things are going to look up; they should be dressed appropriately and have courage again in the future. So, too, the psalmist asks people to imagine a time when they will no longer be in bondage sowing in tears, but will return full of joy carrying a harvest of goods. In the second reading, St. Paul compliments the people for helping him in his work. He tells them how much he loves them. And he invites them to prepare for that day when they would reach perfect goodness. Finally, John the Baptist announces to everyone the great day to come when "All flesh shall see the Salvation of God".

We all need help and encouragement to leave behind familiar ways which have become destructive. We need help in imagining ourselves differently and imagining the good effect that will have on others. We have to take time to reflect what kind of person God wants us to be. We need faith in the future, to see the power of God working in the change. In all this we need each other's help and encouragement. We need to call out the best in each other like St. Paul does with his converts, and rejoice with people in the changes they have made for the better.

What a wonderful spirit we find in our parish community. We engage ourselves through ME25 Survey to find out our strengths and place them at the service of one another. If our community is to be constantly converted to the Lord, we all have to breathe in encouragement and breathe it out. Perhaps this Advent we could exercise that encouragement in a simple, practical way. That will be a change for the better. In the words of Cardinal Newman: "To be human is to change. To be perfect is to have changed often." With our own striving for perfection, Jesus will complete the work of Salvation.

On 8th Dec., we celebrate the feast of "the Immaculate Conception" of our Blessed Mother. Like Mary, we also have been chosen for joy-filled life so that we can one day live through love, joy and peace in God's presence. "God never ruffles the joy of people, except to prepare them for a certain far greater JOY." Alessandro Manzoni)

God bless us all!

Father Lawrence