Jesus Waits for Us

I recently returned from the annual Baltimore assembly of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.  One urgent message released nationally from this meeting was a letter, composed and approved in assembly, regarding many concerns about the present state of detention and processing of immigrants, whether documented or not.   I am hopeful that this letter provides some basis for consideration and prayers for a solution to legal migration, and hope for immigrants now living under a cloud of uncertainty.  If you wish to access this letter, please visit https://www.diopueblo.org/post/u-s-bishops-issue-a-special-message-on-immigration-from-plenary-assembly-in-baltimore.

Having just celebrated Thanksgiving, we have entered the season of Advent.   In gratitude for our gifts and in preparation for the coming of Christ, Advent calls us to examine the progress of our relationship with Jesus and to return to him: to listen, watch and pray, for the Lord is near.  In our self-examination we may discover how certain possessions and relationships have become obstacles, even entanglements.  It is time to straighten these out—or rather, to open to the Lord, allow him in—he will take care of everything. 

 "Advent calls us to examine the progress of our relationship with Jesus and to return to him: to listen, watch and pray, for the Lord is near."

Where shall we find Jesus this Advent?  He informs us, the poor shall always be with you. Jesus also proclaims the constant, core message of the Gospel: in the poor you shall always find me.  This is the moment where we go back to the school which Jesus teaches, that is, the poor who are with us.  We only know the true meaning of Thanksgiving when we share the bounty which has been so liberally bestowed upon us.

Especially this year, through the winter and holidays ahead, there is much need.  Faith communities and civic organizations are already beyond their means, yet finding ways to provide food and services as can be done.  To name some, Catholic Charities (southern Colorado), Grand Valley Catholic Outreach (Grand Junction), Los Pobres (Pueblo), La Puente Homeless Shelter (Alamosa), Knights of Columbus  (outreaches across the diocese), local food banks and providers of warm clothing, and the Catholic outreach of your own parish; they need support now.

"Where shall we find Jesus this Advent?  He informs us, the poor shall always be with you. Jesus also proclaims the constant, core message of the Gospel: in the poor you shall always find me."

One day to come, may we all hear the welcoming words of Jesus: “Come, you who are blessed by my Father.  Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.  For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me…. (Mt 25: 34-37).  Let us prioritize our Advent ministry and year-end giving towards those in need. 

This is our Gospel and our Advent. As Jesus promised, he will be with us always.  Jesus waits for us.  Let our hearts lead the way.  

Sincerely yours in Christ,

+Most Reverend Stephen J. Berg

Bishop of Pueblo

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