Epiphany means manifestation. What the Church celebrates today is the manifestation of our Lord to the whole world; after being made known to the shepherds of Bethlehem, He is revealed to the Magi who have come from the East to adore Him. Thus, in the Feast of Christmas Christ is shown as man to a few of His chosen souls but in the Feast of the Epiphany, on the other hand, He appears to the whole world as God. As committed Catholics, we want to manifest our love for Christ as we move into a New Year. Here are some simple things we can all do to help manifest our faith this new year:
Prayer – Resolve to get a daily Catholic devotional book… and read it. Two of my favorite are Living Faith and Give Us This Day.
Faith Formation – There are on the internet and right here in the parish any number of formation programs designed to deepen your faith knowledge and practice. And if you don’t find anything that speaks to you, I’d be happy to help you in forming a new group.
Be Active and Get Involved – Join us for the Christmas sing-along this Sunday. Going to Mass on Sunday is only part of being a committed Catholic. There are so many ministries within our faith community and most of them would be happy for the energy of new “blood”.
Attend Mass – Of course we should always participate in Mass on Sundays and Holy Days, but daily Mass is also a great way of deepening your spirituality. Try to attend Mass as often as your schedule will allow. What better way to start the day than with our Lord?
Strive always to live as Jesus commands us to do so. By enriching your Catholic faith through going to Mass, attending faith formation programs, spending time with our Lord in daily prayer and being involved in your faith community.
May this prayer accompany your initial steps into 2022:
God of all time, help us enter the New Year quietly, thoughtful of who we are to ourselves and to others, mindful that our steps make an impact and our words carry power. May we walk gently. May we speak only after we have listened well. Creator of all life, help us enter the New Year reverently, aware that you have endowed every creature and plant, every person and habitat with beauty and purpose. May we regard the world with tenderness. May we honor rather than destroy. Lover of all souls, help us enter the New Year joyfully, willing to laugh and dance and dream, remembering our many gifts with thanks and looking forward to blessings yet to come. May we welcome your lavish love. May we cast off the small, vindictive god our fears have made. May the grace and peace of Christ bless you now and in the days ahead.
Taking the Gospel Home: How are you like the magi? Do you have "stars" in your life that lead you on the right path to Jesus? Who or what are they?