Time flies fast, as we always say. It will be a year on July 1 since I started my ministry here at Incarnation Church.
It’s been a good year for me despite the coronavirus pandemic’s challenges on our church and personal lives. It’s because we have continually supported our parish and one another and have kept our trust in God.
It has not been easy since we worry about the impact of the pandemic on the economy. But with God’s grace, we continue to carry the mission of Jesus Christ—reopening the doors of the church for the Sacraments and preaching the Gospel.
Our faith in Jesus and his teachings keep us secure and hopeful. It will continue to strengthen and guide us as we deal with the deep divisions in our country, especially this coming presidential election.
We commit ourselves to pray for unity, peace, justice, and economic progress in our country and worldwide. We may have differences of opinions on church and political life. Still, we must unite ourselves for every person’s dignity and the common good in the Spirit of the Gospel.
Jesus promises his rewards to those who help carry His mission in this world. He says, “Whoever receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and whoever receives a righteous man because he is a righteous man will receive a righteous man’s reward.”
I will never doubt your unceasing support. Your concern and generosity have shown me the strength and potentials of this community. Together, we will make our parish succeed in all its effort to invigorate it with the Gospel’s values. The rewards will be great!
God bless you all!
Your loving pastor,
Fr. Rodel "Odey" Balagtas