“REJOICE IN THE LORD ALWAYS...REJOICE! THE LORD IS NEAR. Have no anxiety at all.. make your requests known to GOD. Then, the PEACE OF GOD will guard your hearts and minds in CHRIST JESUS. "(St Paul Letter to Philippians 4:4-7). What a beautiful message to proclaim and meditate as we have just passed the middle point of our ADVENT season, and celebrate GAUDETE Sunday, when we all REJOICE. I shall say it again: REJOICE! THE LORD IS NEAR! BE JOYFUL AND PRAISE THE LORD!

We all face anxieties, preoccupations, worries. Whenever things do not go well, we may be drowned in a downward spiral of depression, especially in this time of Advent/ Christmas that reminds us of many joys of past years with our beloved parents, siblings, husbands, or wives. To cheer up those of you that may be depressed in this joyful time, I would like to share a very personal story. Read it slowly: REJOICE AND PRAISE THE LORD:

“I can still hear Chester's reply to the simple question: "HOW ARE YOU? "His reply was always: "IN THE BEST OF HEALTH AND SPIRIT, PRAISE THE LORD!" and he meant it. WELL, HE IS PRAISING THE LORD RIGHT NOW AND HE IS IN THE BEST OF SPIRIT, but unfortunately, his health as we know it failed!

The layback Jamaican man from Chinese ancestors had many talents ranging from cook to carpenter. HE LOVED TO TALK ABOUT THE LORD AND SCRIPTURES, THE WORD OF GOD. HE LOVED his wife, his family, and HIS EXTENDED FAMILY, THE CHURCH.

HE LOVED TO SING, but he was tone deaf in one ear and hard of hearing in the other. His singing was of such a quality that ONLY THE LORD COULD APPRECIATE IT. He had a SOOTHING VOICE however and a way of speaking that was a perfect fit for HIS MINISTRY OF EVANGELIZATION and the MINISTRY OF BEREAVED, SICK AND DYING.

Perhaps it was through the death of his mother the year prior to his ordination that GOD CALLED HIM to the ministry of the sick and dying. HE WAS ABLE TO SERVE THE LORD for many, many, many years in these ministries to carry on Christ's mission to the Church.

Many of you have personally been TOUCHED BY HIS LIFE and his work and WE ARE GATHERED HERE TO REJOICE in the completion of his mission. Now, he is passing the torch and I can hear him say: "IN THE BEST OF HEALTH AND SPIRIT GO FORTH AND PROCLAIM THE GOOD. NEWS."

It has been a privilege for me to have known Deacon Chester Chen and his family for the last 50 years. When I think about him, I think about someone “SMILING, REJOICING IN THE LORD! PRAISING THE LORD! and PROCLAIMING THE GOOD NEWS OF THE GOSPEL at all times".

You will never meet my friend Deacon Chester Chen in this world. He just passed away last week. He was 81-years old and the above story is his own writing of his own eulogy for his funeral Mass, as read by his own daughter to a church packed with his friends. I was there as he had asked me to preach at his funeral. The entire church was moved by his words. We felt that he was talking to each of us and giving his last homily, from the open casket where he laid vested in his alb and Deacon’s stole. He was a good writer and a great preacher/evangelizer. My prayer is that you may meet him one day in Heaven, and recognize his infectious smile and his always being in the best of health, and inviting all of his friends on earth to go forth and proclaim the GOOD NEWS!

Deacon Chester Chen was a good follower of John the Baptist, humble and always pointing out with passion to Our Lord Jesus Christ! In today's Gospel (Luke 3:10-18), we are among the crowds following John the Baptist in the desert and asking: "WHAT SHOULD WE DO?" and we all hear his simple and powerful answer: "Whoever has two cloaks should share with the person who has none. And whoever has food should do likewise." This is an invitation to all of us to share with those in need whatever talents, time, and resources we have. I always rejoice to see so many volunteers participating in the preparation and delivery of Christmas baskets. If you have never done so, come to help pack on Dec. 18th starting at 8 am and to deliver the baskets on the 19th after the 8:30 Mass.

Beyond sharing clothing and food during this Advent Season, ask God:" WHAT SHOULD I DO IN THE LAST 12 DAYS OF ADVENT.?" Read the long list of Advent activities (Advent/Christmas at OLHOC) and listen to God's voice. He is calling you! Remember our Advent theme: Reconciliation - Eucharist - Adoration. First step: COME TO THE ADVENT PENANCE SERVICE AT 7 PM THIS MONDAY DECEMBER 13! We will have 10 priests. COME AND RECONCILE WITH GOD, and be prepared to welcome Jesus in your heart! Second step: Come also and attend one of the 9 CHRISTMAS NOVENA MASSES at 7 PM from Wednesday, December 15 through Thursday, December 23 as we celebrate together:

"EVERYDAY IS CHRISTMAS WITH THE EUCHARIST"

May God keep blessing you and your families in this Advent and Christmas Season!

One in Christ,
 

Fr. Alain