The people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death light has arisen. From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Mt 4:12-17, 23-25)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/010526.cfm
Jesus doesn’t come on the scene with a campaign of “shock and awe” but rather preaching repentance and forgiveness. In a country where immigrants no longer feel welcome, Saint John Neumann (1811-1860) can be a hopeful reminder of the good that immigrants bring. He was an immigrant who became the Bishop of Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love.
These reflections are a result of more than 40 years of ministry as a Roman Catholic priest. Most of these years I spent in the Diocese of Charlotte which covers Western North Carolina. Now I am retired, and live in Medellín, Colombia where I continue to serve as a priest in the Archdiocese of Medellín.
Saint John Neumann, bishop, January 5
