By Most Reverend Gerald R. Barnes

 One of the greatest gifts I received from my parents was their example of hospitality and charity when it came to people in need. It was not uncommon for my dad to bring home someone from my Boyle Heights neighborhood who needed something to eat or a place to rest. My mother was always there with a warm welcome. As we reflect during this season on the story of our Lord’s birth, you could say that my folks took the lesson of Las Posadas to heart. There was certainly room at their inn.

By Most Rev. Gerald R. Barnes

 In about a month our nation will hold a general election to decide a number of important matters facing California and the country. It is a great gift from God that we have the opportunity to elect our government leaders and help determine public policy by voting on propositions and initiatives. First and foremost, I urge you to accept this gift by participating in the election. Our Catholic faith calls us to this participation as a moral responsibility. The Bishops of the United States often refer to this as “Faithful Citizenship.”

By Most Reverend Gerald R. Barnes

 Our faith promises great reward in heaven. But who could argue that it’s nice to receive commendation once in a while for our earthly achievements at work, in sports, academics, the arts or in ministry. I can also tell you that, from my perspective, it’s just as gratifying to give someone an award as to receive one.

By Most Reverend Gerald R. Barnes

 “For this momentary light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to what is seen but what is unseen; for what is seen is transitory, but what is unseen is eternal ( 2 Cor. 4:14-16).”

By Most Rev. Gerald R. Barnes

 My Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

 In recent weeks and months we have seen reports of terrible acts of violence against innocent people. In a Colorado movie theater; at a temple of peacefully worshipping Sikhs; in Syria, where so many blameless children and families are caught in the crossfire of the political uprising, and in our own city of San Bernardino, where 30 people have already been murdered in 2012 as of this writing.

By Most Rev. Gerald R. Barnes

 Today we receive God’s greatest gift to us – new life in the Resurrection of his Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. We feel the warmth of God’s love and the hope that He seeks to kindle in us perhaps stronger than on any other day of the year. I join you in this joyful exaltation. Alleluia! He is risen!