THE GOOD NEWS
ARCHBISHOP BELTRAN

The Good News

...A Most Blessed Christmas

In just a few days, we will celebrate Christmas 2004. Whether we remain here in Oklahoma or travel elsewhere, the meaning and celebration of Christmas is the same. As the Sacred Scriptures tell us: “Do not be afraid, for behold, I proclaim to you Good News of great joy that will be for all people. For today in the city of David, a Savior has been born for you Who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10-11) Thus the prophecy of old is fulfilled: “The people who walked in darkness have been a great light.” (Isaiah 9:1)

Truly God is with us. He loves us totally. He saves us from sin and invites us to a new and better life. This is the Christmas message. This is the meaning of the Holy Days we are now observing.

While the message of God’s love and salvation is always true, it is specially proclaimed now as we celebrate the birth of Jesus. At this time we are reminded to give thanks to God for all His gifts and graces and blessings of life. We are urged to listen more attentively to the saving Word of God. We are challenged to respond in faith to the love that God has revealed for us.

During the Holy Season of Christmas, I assure you, the Catholic people of Oklahoma, of a very special remembrance in my prayers and Masses. Each day, you and your families and all your loved ones are being presented to the Lord. I pray that each and everyone of you will experience a most Blessed Christmas. I do this in a series of categories to make it more personal on my part. Therefore, I pray:

1) For the children in the womb and for their parents: God created each child through the cooperation of their parents. I pray that each child already living but not yet born will be nurtured, protected and loved. I pray that their parents will love them and lead them safely and successfully to Almighty God.

2) For children and young people: I pray that as you are growing and developing, you are given the opportunity to come to know, love and serve God. May you and your parents walk together on the pilgrimage of life on this earth to life everlasting in heaven with God.

3) For young adults: I pray that during your high school and college days, you will come to discover the beauty of the life God has given you and the plan He has for you. May you come to appreciate what is true, what is good and what is right. May every decision and choice you make now be in accord with God’s special plan for you!

4) Single adults: Whether you are a young single person or an older one, may you experience each day of your life, the presence and love of God. May you grow daily in the love and practice of our Catholic faith and grow closer to Jesus now and always.

5) Married couples: God has given you to each other to assist you on the journey of life. To many of you, God also offers the opportunity to collaborate with Him in the creation of new life. I pray that through the sacrament of matrimony which you have contracted, you will walk together in God’s peace and love forever and ever.

6) Older Catholics: I pray that as life moves on so very quickly, you will learn to pause and assess your priorities. When disappointments and difficulties arise, know that God will never abandon you. Turn to Him in faith, in hope and in love and you will be renewed and strengthened.

7) The elderly, the sick and the bedridden: I pray that your pain and your suffering never overshadow the reality of God’s presence and love. May your courage and faith bring you God’s peace and joy.

8) The dying: Just as any day is a good day on which to be born, so also is any day a good day on which to die if we die with the Lord. I pray therefore that when your time to die comes, you will hear the greeting of the Lord “Well done, good and faithful servant, enter the kingdom of heaven.”

9) Former Catholics: As brothers and sisters in Christ, I pray that you will once again discover the truth of our Catholic faith. The Catholic Church’s validity depends upon Jesus and not upon the bad example and sins of its members. I apologize for our failures and pray that God will lead you back to full Communion with us in Jesus Christ.

10) For the deceased: At Christmas time, I pray in a special way for all who have died. I remember my family and friends who have died. But I also pray for the previous bishops, priests, religious, deacons, lay workers and all the faithful departed. I pray that everyone who ever was a part of the Church of Oklahoma and is now deceased is sharing eternal life in heaven with God.

These ten categories comprise the “instrument” that I use at Christmas time to remind me of the limitless love of God. In this way I am able to pray for all of you, that you will have a most Blessed Christmas. Remember that God so loved the world that He sent His Son Jesus to save us. Jesus came and remains with us. May you have the most Blessed Christmas of all!