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January 5, 2024Feast of The EpiphanyThe word “epiphany” means a manifestation; a showing of something or someone…which (or whom) was not known before. When the magi came to the Christ child, and knelt down to worship Him, and to give him kingly gifts, the world was shown something new: Jesus Christ is not just the King of the Jews, but the King of all peoples, of all places and times. The Magi, who were Gentiles (non-Jews) traveled a long way to see Jesus, and to do him homage!
There are four of these “manifestations” that are usually referred to in the Scriptures. The birth of Jesus, the coming of the magi, the baptism of Jesus and the wedding feast of Cana. In each of these, Jesus is “introduced” to the world of different classes of people. At his birth, the angels introduced him to the poor shepherds (“Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, for unto us is born a Savior, who is Christ and Lord!”). At the epiphany, he is revealed as universal King. At his baptism, he is revealed as the Son of God (“This is my beloved son, in whom I delight.”). And finally, when Jesus does the miracle at Cana in Galilee, at the request of his mother, “his disciples began to believe in Him!" Mary said, "Do whatever He tells.”
Jesus is by far the biggest and best thing that has ever happened to this world! The coming of Jesus Christ is a very big deal. We will not truly realize the truth and gravity of this statement until we see Him, Face to Face! I hope to see you there in Heaven, and I promise I will not say “I told you so.” I will just smile and be happy that we are all with Him.
Like the magi , I will be doing a little traveling this week. I leave today (Sunday) for Boston where I will be giving a retreat to the seminarians who are studying at St. John’s Seminary, about a hundred men. I will return to the parish Friday night. Would you please help me by praying daily for these seminarians? Please pray that they have a wonderful, grace filled retreat (not because of the retreat master, but in spite of him!)
I know. I need a travel agent; someone who can direct me to fly south in the winter and to go north only when it is warm.
A New Year’s Resolution: I would like to propose a simple New Year’s resolution to be added to whatever resolutions you have already made. I would like to invite every member of our parish (and our guests) “to make a visit” to Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament once a week here at St. Michael’s in 2024. For those who do not remember, this means very simply stopping by our parish church, at a time other than when you come to Sunday Mass and spending some time with Jesus in silent prayer. This will be a time to tell Him that you love Him, that you need Him, to ask His forgiveness, to pray for the holiness and salvation of your family…and to just be with Jesus and to let Him love on you (as we say in the South). The parish church is usually open from 7:00 a.m. to about 6:00 p.m. The small red candle burning on the left side of the Church reminds us that “Jesus is home.”
Thank you to Fr. Jerry Ragan for graciously agreeing to cover the masses at St. Michael’s Church while I am away!
Fr. Brett Brannen
Pastor
