Week of JanUARY 4, 2026

My Sisters and Brothers in Jesus Christ,
The Christmas season is quickly passing by. In just a few short weeks, the Church carries us from Mary’s yes to God, through the conception and birth of Jesus, the visit of the magi, and then forward to his growth in wisdom and his public ministry. Both in our lives and in the Gospel story, time seems to move quickly.
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Over the New Year, I found myself reflecting on this while talking with my wife as I watched a video of railroad locomotives nearing retirement—engines I still remember being introduced as “new.” Moments like that remind me how swiftly time passes, and how precious each season truly is. May we use the time given to us well, living as visible signs of the Kingdom that is already among us and still coming into fullness.

This week, we also released a new video reflecting on the theme of theological arrogance—a call to humility, openness, and trust in the God who is always greater than our certainties. At St. Oscar Romero Ministries, we reflect honestly on the danger of theological arrogance—the belief that any one person, church, or institution can possess the “fullness of truth.” Drawing from my own past formation within Roman Catholicism, I acknowledge that I once held this conviction myself, and I now repent of it as a deeply human attempt to claim what belongs to God alone. Only God holds the fullness of truth. While some theological expressions may be wiser, deeper, or closer to divine reality than others, no denomination can rightfully claim absolute possession of God’s truth without diminishing the mystery of the divine. Theology, at its best, is not about control or certainty, but about reverent exploration of a reality that always exceeds our language, creeds, and councils.

This reflection calls Christians to humility and spiritual maturity. When we believe we already possess everything there is to know, we close ourselves off from growth and from the surprising ways God continues to act in the world. Too often, Christians limit God’s grace by denying its presence in other traditions—whether by dismissing another community’s sacraments or judging their faith as deficient. From an Old Catholic perspective, we remain wary of such absolutes, embracing open communion and trusting that all Christians draw from the same divine source. Rather than policing boundaries or passing judgment, we are called to deeper introspection, greater charity, and stronger faith in God’s ability to work through diverse people, traditions, and communities. True discipleship is not about defending our superiority, but about becoming more faithful servants of a God who is always greater than our understanding.

Thank you, as always, for your prayers, encouragement, and continued support of this ministry. I pray that as more people join us weekly for our online liturgy, we may one day gather more frequently to pray together in person.
Peace,
Rev. Ben