Posted by The WORD in other words (2022) by Fr Jun Javines SVD – Divine Word College of San Jose, Occidental Mindoro
Saturday 1st Week of Advent
One significant part in the investiture rites of a parish priest by the Bishop (though indirectly spelled out) is a simple reminder of the primary role as a steward of the parish community. The parish priest is charged to look after programs and initiatives that will enrich and deepen the spiritual growth of the parishioners.
Embedded in the rites is the pastoral aspect which captures one of the themes of the gospel today where Jesus is most of the time ready to respond to the needs of people. It is presumed that Jesus did not only cure the sick, but most importantly, he provided the people something that is priceless – HOPE.
For a Christian, there is hope. There is always hope. In the words of Paul, we hope against hope – that is to say, we remain hopeful even when there appears to be no signs of hope at all.
Why? Because our hope is not based upon signs. Our hope is based upon God and God alone. We put all our hope and trust in God.
