Official Diocesan Blog

Hospitality is not only a Christian virtue – it is also a powerful antidote to the increasing scourge of loneliness. In recent years, the astonishing growth in the use of mobile phones and information technology has failed to improve social cohesion – instead, it has contributed to greater polarization and personal isolation.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my work as the interim bishop of the ADP has been encountering hundreds of men and women throughout the diocese who are determined to seek and follow the call of God on their lives and communities. It is a precious gift that gives me great hope for the future of this diocese.

Compassion fatigue is encouraged by our 24-hour media, giving us relentless awareness of every crisis and every pressing need all around the world. We must all regularly disconnect from our internet news sources if we are to avoid overload. But that does not mean we must renounce caring or heartfelt compassion. As we enter into this new year, I encourage you to beware the dangers of compassion fatigue, but don’t forget to care for the least, the last, and the lost.

Epiphany is a wonderful season to reflect on new opportunities for mission. If they are not already a part of the life of your congregation, I encourage you to investigate short-term missions. There is an enormous variety of opportunities available for all ages, abilities, and budgets. Not only will you be doing your part to fulfill the great commission, but you will also discover that these mission trips transform the lives of those who go and bless those to whom they go.

Epiphany season is a good time to remember the many ways in which God still reveals himself to us. For some, those revelations are dramatic and life changing

The birth of Jesus changes everything. That’s one reason all of those angels showed up – it was and is an event of cosmic significance. The whole course of human history was changed. Art, music, literature – Western culture itself reflects this reality. And there is a truth beyond that: for millions of people who have lived since, the birth of Jesus made possible not just a new way of understanding life but a new way of living it. Is celebrating Christmas worth all the effort? YOU BET IT IS!

 

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14)

As we celebrate this season of hope, I pray that you will reach out to those in your various communities who struggle with addiction and assure them that they are not beyond the reach of God’s transforming love.

It is hard to think of anything that is more contrary to the message and ministry of Jesus Christ than domestic abuse. It is not limited to any particular socio-economic or educational level. As stress and the pressures of isolation grow, abuse is becoming increasingly prevalent. If we are to be faithful to the Gospel, we cannot ignore it.