A happy new year!

Tomorrow is not only Sunday, but a major feast of the Church! It is the Feast of the Circumcision of Christ, also known as the Feast of the Holy Name. All covenants in ancient times were sealed in blood, and for the Jews, their covenant with YAHWEH was sealed by shedding of blood on the eighth day, when the males were circumcised. It is on this eighth day that they officially received their names. Jesus, in fulfilment of the law as a Jew was circumcised, and formally received the name given to Mary and Joseph by God - JESUS (Yeshua - God Saves!). He, of course, would seal the new covenant in his own blood on the Cross; a one, sufficient sacrifice for our sins and the sins of the whole world. And it is only by the name of Jesus Christ that we are saved! A big day indeed! So even though there will be plenty of revelery tonight for New Year's Eve, be sure to get up and get to Church tomorrow not only because it is Sunday (our obligation) but also a major holy day! (painting - The Circumcision, by Signorelli)