Amado Antonio Caballero Ⅲ
This month, November, we begin our Jubilee celebration. The first part of this celebration invites us to look back at the past and reflect on the history of our parish.
LOOKING BACK…
In the book of Exodus, the LORD asked Moses to write down His saving deeds and to keep in memory, so that the chosen people would remain true to their covenant with God, and find strength when they are weak: "Write this in a book as a memorial and recite it to Joshua”.
Every time God’s people gathered together, they would read a passage from Scripture, reflect on it, play music, recite prayers and offer sacrifices. In this way, they are reminded of God’s constant presence and His saving actions throughout their lives and history. This deep act of remembrance has been handed down from one generation to the next, becoming a cherished tradition.
Likewise, as a parish community, we need to look back at our own past: the history of our Parish, its pastors, its people and its ministries. Faith tells us that God communicates His message through life events and human history. Past events are not simply things of the past. They are a rich and fertile source of God’s living message. As the Church would say, we must “Read the signs of the times.” There is always something valuable to learn from our history, if we look at it seriously. In doing so, we shall find our future direction.
WITH GRATITUDE…
Looking back makes us deeply aware of the gifts we received. It helps us recognize the blessings that have been placed into our hands. When we look back, we remember. When we remember, we naturally give thanks to the Giver. Indeed, true remembering is an act of thanksgiving.
Gratitude flows from recognizing a gift. We say “thank you” as we recall the blessings we have received. Among the greatest gifts we have been given are the people we encounter; past parish priests, leaders, faithful, benefactors and the entire community of St. Paul to which we belong.
God, we thank you for our past, and we look forward to the Future with a smile in our hearts.
Follow me!
