My dear Friends,
Praise to You Lord Jesus Christ!
Every January, I usually have the joy of joining the students of Immaculata High School in Kelowna on their mission trip. In past years, we traveled to Mexico to help build homes for families in need, allowing our young people to learn, firsthand, what it means to serve with compassion and humility. This year, their mission takes them to the Philippines. Although I am unable to accompany them, I was blessed to join them at the airport last Monday with our Bishop, where we prayed together and sent them forth with a blessing for their mission: “Go, Love, and Serve.” I encouraged them to remain humble, to trust deeply in God, and assured them of my prayers as they serve Christ Jesus in others.
Today’s Scriptures echo that same call. The prophet Zephaniah invites the “humble of the land” to seek the Lord—not power, not recognition, but humility and righteousness. God promises that it is the anawim, the poor and lowly who take refuge in Him, who will endure. Their strength is not loud or impressive by worldly standards; it is found in quiet faithfulness, integrity, and truth.
Psalm 146 reminds us why this humility matters. Human strength, wealth, and influence all fade, but the Lord remains faithful forever. He lifts up the lowly, feeds the hungry, and protects the vulnerable. True security is not found in what we possess or control, but in placing our trust in the God who reigns eternally.
Saint Paul reinforces this truth, reminding us that God often chooses what the world calls weak to reveal His glory. Our value comes not from achievement or status, but from Christ alone, who is our wisdom and redemption.
These readings reach their fulfillment in the Beatitudes where Jesus redefines blessedness. The poor in spirit, the merciful, and the peacemakers are truly happy because they rely completely on God. Today, we are gently but firmly challenged: Where do we place our trust? May we, like those young missionaries, learn to go, love, and serve with humble hearts—becoming the faithful remnant God calls us to be. Amen. God Loves You!
~ Fr. NEIL