I remember as a kid, sci fi movies like Back to the Future would take place around this
year. It is amazing how quickly time goes by. It seems like a relief that 2020 is now behind
us. What a year it has been!
Lately, it seems we have a lot of questions that are still are unanswered such as: When will
the pandemic come to an end? When will life return to normal? These questions for the
time being will have to remain unanswered.
What we know for sure is that Jesus Christ is with us in the most tangible way possible
through the Eucharist, and the other Sacraments, in His Word contained in Sacred Scripture and in His omnipresent being. With great love and compassion, Jesus said to His apostles: I am with you always until the end of the age. These words of Jesus are intrinsic to what it
means in being a Christian. The truth is that not only are we configured to Jesus in our
baptism but we are truly with Him and being lead by Him to the Kingdom.
Often, I tell people who come to see me for direction to hold a crucifix when they feel
overwhelmed. Holding a crucifix, especially a certain crucifix that one is drawn to, is a
great consolation for the soul. To know that we are not alone in our sufferings and that
Jesus is suffering with us is a great comfort to us.
In every Mass since March we have been praying for deliverance from the pandemic and
for those who are sick. We will keep praying for this intention until the pandemic over. If
the pandemic does end in 2021, let us give thanks to God. If not, Jesus is still with us.
May the Blessed Virgin Mary the Mother of God intercede for us in this new year of 2021.
In Jesus and Mary,
Fr. Jeff Yildirmaz
