January 8, 2025

What we see unfolding in our nation is a vicious pattern of hatred rooted in the rejection of God, of the dignity of the human person, and the sanctity of the family. We can eradicate these ills only through a firm reliance on God, through a deeper devotion to Christ and the Gospel, through a sincere love for persons reflected in law, and through a renewed commitment to justice and public order.

We are living through a perilous moment. Our challenge is not only one of partisan disagreement, law, and policy, but in a deeper way our challenge is to uphold the central goods of American political life: of faith, of families, and of a national commitment to live together in harmony as brothers and sisters.

Bishop Michael Burbidge 
Bishop of Arlington, VA



Dear Parishioners,

Jesus was anointed with the Holy Spirit in his baptism to bring us his healing, freedom, and light. After John initially objects to Jesus’ request for baptism, Jesus says to John, allow it now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness. Jesus’ words lead us to ponder what exactly is being fulfilled in Christ whom we meet in the Scriptures and in our Mass today. 

The prophet Isaiah says that Christ was called for the victory of justice, to be a light for the nations, to open the eyes of the blind, to bring out prisoners from confinement, and from the dungeon, those who live in darkness. These are promises not only for those who came before us in salvation history, but for each of the baptized. 

Matthew’s Gospel invites us to consider how the Lord brings these promises to fulfillment in our lives. Where we fail to see as God sees, God comes to give us new vision. By the gift of his Spirit, he brings new insight and hope. When we are prisoners, stuck in sin and ways of living that hold us back from the fullness of life

God desires for us, Christ gives us his mercy and the grace to walk again in freedom. When we find ourselves in darkness, God comes with his Spirit to bring comfort and light.

Jesus brought his healing to us through his baptism. We might wonder why Jesus was baptized, since it was a symbol of repentance and he was without sin. But our tradition tells us that as Jesus enters the river Jordan and the Spirit is poured out upon him, water itself is forever changed. Jesus, through his baptism, makes water capable of being the instrument of our baptism. What is more, Jesus unites himself to all who would ever be plunged in the waters of baptism. And so, in the waters of our baptism, Jesus’ presence and power are made available to and poured out upon each of us. 

Having received the gift of Jesus’ life within us in baptism, we, too, are empowered. We have been given all we need to participate in Christ’s work to bring light, life, and freedom to all whom we meet. As we approach this sacred table, let us bring all our needs to his loving power. In the Eucharist, Jesus, fulfills these promises to us. May our hearts be opened to receive his grace and blessing poured out on us today.

God Love Ya!
Fr. Reilly