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Month of December, month of hope, month of hearts set aflame by the grace of love. Thank you, brothers and sisters, because in this December we have contemplated your generous “yes.” How can we not give thanks to God for a community that strives to keep the flame of love and service burning? Dear brothers and sisters, feel proud of everything you do, and on many occasions without expecting anything in return. I ask you and I beg you to look at some of the events that so often go unnoticed in human eyes, but do not go unnoticed in the eyes of God. I invite you to contemplate the following:

• the dedication in their work of many educators who at five in the morning are already entering Sacred Heart School.
• the love, the embrace, and affection of many boys and girls toward their teacher who receives them every day at the school door.
• the silent service of a pastor who many times, at ten thirty at night, continues sitting in his office thinking of his responsibilities toward his faithful.
• the unconditional dedication of the secretary who on some occasions sacrifices her time in order to have everything finished on time.
• the service of some holy women, “Mission Broom,” who not only clean the rectory month after month, but in December offered exquisite lunches.
• the respect of the little ones for a man who day after day holds up the stop sign so that they may cross the street safely.

These are some December events that are constant in our parish and that we often do not “see.”
Now then, let us look at events that we have organized together, that we have carried out, and that we have completed:

• we have shared in this Advent a deep and gradual catechesis about what Advent is, why it exists, and for what purpose, in each Eucharist. In addition, it is important to highlight the preaching that has been offered both to the North American and Hispanic community in different gatherings.
• To be able to encounter among you humble brothers and sisters with evangelizing zeal, preparing for the Consecration to the Immaculate Conception of Mary, where we offered three catechesis to understand more deeply the meaning of a consecration, which is not simply making oneself something or someone untouchable, but someone willing to be broken and given for others.
• To see and contemplate one of the banners of our parish, our educational center, which strives to form and educate our students integrally; to contemplate the dedication of their teachers in every event, every musical concert, every basketball, volleyball, or soccer game; to hear their voices in the songs of the concerts they have prepared together with their teachers; to see the faces of the parents happy and proud to see their children participating in these activities.
• To see how those from the young adult group gave a “yes” without shame or embarrassment, not only to represent the parish, but to represent Christ in the Christmas parade, where they said to others: “Here we are and we want to be disciples of Christ, not only in word, but also in action.”

To remember the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe and its different activities is not only the celebration of one nation as such; it is the celebration of the believing Catholic people who have Mary as Mother. To contemplate brothers and sisters who through culture draw near to the Church, and how the Church, through their culture, announces Christ to them. To see a family, a culture, a believing community that comes together to give thanks for someone who knew how to give a total “yes,” is to celebrate our future. To enjoy the posadas; to see a Church, one single Body, with two different realities—Hispanics and North Americans—together. That is a sign that the dream of Christ is possible: that they may be one, Father, as You and I are one.

To see in the posada the joy of God’s favorites, the joy of the children—that has no price. To see the generosity of the brothers and sisters who prepare the sacred food for the posadas. To see the sacrifice of many to carry out something that is not an obligation, but the conviction of a humble yet wise religiosity.

In the end, brothers and sisters, we draw near to the spiritual event around which this whole month of December revolves: Christmas Eve, the White Christmas, where we have, as a gift from God, the ability to help nourish Christ through a Christmas dinner for more than one thousand brothers and sisters. Through your donation, dedication, and service, these brothers and sisters will have a dignified Christmas dinner.”

Thank you, Lord, because all of this is possible, because many in this parish have said “yes” to You. In the midst of their doubts, in the midst of their falls, and in the midst of their questions and fears, these brothers and sisters, together with the team of priests and deacons, have made the effort to listen to You and obey You. Thank you, men, thank you, women, thank you, young people, thank you, children, thank you, elders—thank you—because your presence and your dedication make possible these small but great events. Because in our hands, they are small and little, but in the hands of Christ, every event and every action we perform becomes abundance. Remember: your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”