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Fr. John, Fr. Anthony, and I would like to take this opportunity to express our appreciation for the many acts of kindness that we have received in the past few weeks. I am humbled by the thoughtfulness of so many people who sent cards, or brought over home-made cookies and other gifts. A special “thank-you” also to all those who donated baby diapers and baby clothing to our “Giving Tree” to support Birthright in their mission to provide for mothers who are in need of assistance. May the Lord’s blessing be upon you throughout the new year.
Today we celebrate the Epiphany of the Lord. On this feast, we recall the gifts that the Magi brought to present to the infant Jesus gold which signifies that he is a King, frankincense to signify that he is God, and myrrh, an ointment used to anoint the dead, to signify that he would suffer, die, and be buried in order to rise again for our salvation. The Church will conclude its observance of the Christmas season on Sunday, January 10th, with the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. In these closing days of the Christmas season, I would invite you to ask yourself, “What gifts do I bring to the infant Jesus?” Perhaps it is helpful to recall the words of our Lord in Matthew 25:40, “I assure you, as often as you did it for one of the least of these, you did it for me.” Let us take an honest look at how we make use of our time, talent, and treasure. Are we only interested in ourselves, or are we honestly seeking ways to help others, even (especially!) if it requires sacrifice on our part. The gift of ourselves that we give to others, is the gift that we lay before the infant Jesus. Is it a gift that we can be proud of?
On this Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord, let us resolve to ever-more-faithfully manifest Christ’s presence in our world. We can do this by seeking a deeper relationship with Jesus, by putting our time, talent, and treasure into the service of building up God’s Kingdom, and by opening ourselves to the grace that comes from continued conversion.
