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.

SATURDAY, Saint Basil the Great & Saint Gregory Nazianzen, Bishops & Doctors of the Church, January 2

R.    All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
Sing to the LORD a new song,
for he has done wondrous deeds;
His right hand has won victory for him,
his holy arm.
Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands;
break into song; sing praise.
R.    All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
(Psalm 98)

What we are celebrating is God’s revelation to poor shepherds and to us. “Break into song, sing praise” is reflected in the wealth of church music for this special season. May our hearts be lifted up to “sing to the Lord a new song.”