JANUARY 2012                   

Brother Knights,

Having recalled and celebrated the real love the Christ-child brought into the world, and being grateful beyond measure, we begin a new year, a new day to give to the Child, the Father and the Spirit the only thing they want from us – our love. May the love of God fill the new year for you and those dearest to you! May you, together, return your love to Him. It is amazing to experience the love that is shared at Christmas and New Year’s, but nothing is greater than our exchange of and response to the God of love.

Proverbs 4: select verses:

“Hear o children…a father’s instruction…My teaching do not forsake…Keep my commands…Do not go astray from the words of my mouth…Get wisdom…Lover her and she will safeguard you. Forsake her not…She will bring you honors.” “To my words be attentive…Let them not slip out of your sight…for they are life to those who find them, to man’s whole being they are health…Keep your foot far from evil.”

One of the truths of our advanced culture is to give priority to our own independence, our freedom to choose, out preference for the liberal. Being “old-fashioned” seems to be passé. Good Knights! Here in your own very special community I find many very moving individuals who with joy apply the brand of religion we older folks learned nearly a century ago. I see impressive examples of persons who live by the word of God, who even put aside their own wishes to give loving care to those in need. I see the love of a group of great men changing the lives of those who suffer or are in need. I also see the joy that love generates. I am very much moved by the obvious presence of real love in a community of God’s faithful children who listen to His word and try to live it. I see people giving of their time and talent careful to avoid the excesses of our age. The Father who calls us to heed His word and pronounce us the results we hope for is true to His assurances.

Look around, Knights, in your homes, work, friends. We have among us some powerful people because they listen to the Father’s instruction and freely show the very finest godly love to those with whom they share this life. What a blessing! What great and wonderful gifts God has placed among us! I can confirm from experience that benefitting from those who hear and live the words and are attentive to them “they are life to those who find them.” God bless you. May you and those you love know the Father’s love throughout the new year.

Fr. Don