Word from the Pastor

Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord

Dear Parish Family,
Isaiah 60:1-6; Ephesians 3:2-3a.5-6; Mt.2:1-12
The word Epiphany means revelation, appearance and manifestation. Christmas is God manifesting himself to the world in a visible form as if showing his face through his incarnation. The feast of the epiphany celebrates Jesus’ first appearance to the Gentiles, represented by the magi. By the visit of the magi coming from the East, Jesus was revealed as the light of the world. As the magi said: “We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.” The very colorful visit of the three wise men to Bethlehem fulfills Isaiah’s prophecy that kings would come from afar to worship the new born Child.

When Jesus was born in Bethlehem in a manger, the angels revealed Him to poor shepherds, simple and humble people. By the visit of the magi, Jesus was revealed to all nations, all peoples, rich and poor as the light of the world. Come with joy! Find and embrace at last the One who brings answers to our deepest questions, the One who brings an end to confused philosophies. He is the true light shining forever!

This Sunday’s Gospel reminds us that if God permitted the Magi, foreigners and pagans to recognize and give Jesus proper respect as the King of the Jews, we should know that there is nothing in our sinful lives that would keep God from bringing us to Jesus. There were three groups of people who reacted to the Epiphany of Christ’s birth. The first group, headed by King Herod, tried to eliminate him, the second group, priests and scribes, ignored him, and the third group, represented by the shepherds and the Magi, come to adore Him. To which group do you belong to? Let us make sure we belong to the third group by worshipping Jesus at Mass with the gold of our love, the myrrh of our humility and the frankincense of our adoration; by giving a new direction to our lives.

Just as the Magi chose another way to return to their homes after their encounter with Jesus, let us choose a better way of life, abstaining from proud and impure thoughts, evil habits and selfish behavior; and let us become stars leading others to Jesus, as the star led the Magi to Jesus. Let us remove the darkness of the evil around us by radiating Jesus’s love through selfless service, unconditional forgiveness and compassionate.

Happy feast of the Epiphany of the Lord

Fr. Jadotte
Pastor