My Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As we enter the last month of the calendar year according to the calendar of the Church, we find ourselves in the midst of the Nativity fast. This preparation time is important for all of us if we strive to grow in the image in which we were created. In his treatise “On the Incarnation of the Word,” St. Athanasios writes, “He (God the Father) took pity on them (creation), therefore, and did not leave them destitute of the knowledge of Himself, lest their very existence should prove purposeless.” (Chapter 3:11)

We see from St. Athanasios that God took pity on His creation as it had turned away from Him and His Grace. The only way that God could offer us the knowledge of Himself was through His Son, Who was with Him before the ages. He offered us His Gift so we might have the ability to know Him and draw near to His Grace thus giving each of us a purpose in this life. It is precisely the entrance into the world of this Gift that we are currently preparing to celebrate.

For this reason, the Church has prescribed this preparation period of prayer and fasting. It is a time we choose to either accept or ignore. I would suggest in order to fulfill our purpose we can only do so through our choosing to participate in this preparation period.

I pray that this season is filled with our Lord’s guidance and peace. May our Lord Bless you and enlighten each of us to fulfill our purpose.

In His Service,

+Fr. Mario