January 2

Beloved of Good Shepherd Church,

Grace to you and peace in Jesus Christ our Lord!

Merry Christmas! Happy New Year!

I am reminded by the deaths in our parish lately and the tragedy in New Orleans that death is a part of life. Whether expected or unexpected I find death to be a darn difficult part of life. And yet, news of death is a strange help to me too because death always reminds me that life is a gift and life is short. Thus, we shouldn’t waste a second on anything that is less than love. As we head into 2025 what are you doing that is not claiming ground within you and around you for peace and for love? Stop doing those things. Likewise, in your life where do you see Jesus beckoning you forth for the cause of love and greater peace? Go that way!

Put another way - in 2025 if it’s not loving don’t do it. If it is loving, don't stop doing it.

On the off chance that you think that sounds trite, let me simply say that every single person whose death I have attended in my years as a priest has said in one way or another: Love is all. Love is all that matters in this life.

Remember this always - God loves you, and I love you too!

Love is all,

Hendree+