A Word from Your Pastor January 8 - Epiphany

Dear Parishioners:

Epiphany calls to mind three moments of the “Manifestation” of the Glory of God: The Arrival of the Magi, the Baptism of the Lord and the Wedding Feast of Cana.  In each of these three moments, there was a revelation of the Glory of God shining through the Humanity of Jesus Christ. 

The Magi, with their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh, remind us that Jesus, the Baby of Bethlehem, is King, God and the Redeemer destined to die for all of humanity.

The Baptism by John in the Jordan is celebrated with its own feast either on the Sunday after Epiphany in most years, or – as it is this year – the Monday right after Epiphany.  It serves as the first revelation of the Trinity in a public way with the voice of the Father and the visible sign of the dove as the Holy Spirit.  God’s Glory is revealed in Jesus as His Beloved Son, the Bearer of the Spirit in His human nature.

The Wedding Feast of Cana allows Jesus’ first disciples to begin to see His Glory and to believe in Him.  It also makes known the power of intercessory prayer as manifested in Mary’s request on behalf of the bride and groom, “They have no wine.”

If we have the eyes and heart to see it, we begin to realize that God is at work in our own human nature through grace.  Jesus Christ has poured His own divinity into the life of the Church in the celebration of the Sacraments and in the life of Prayer that we share as we gather for Liturgy.

May we walk together in Faith and open our hearts to the Glory of God made known in Jesus.  May our life allow God to use us to show all the nations His Glory and the power of the His Love.