Behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where
is the newborn king of the Jews?
We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage”
(Mt 2:1c-2).
The feast of the Epiphany of our Lord (January 6) concludes
the traditional 12 days of Christmas. During this season,
we celebrate the ways God enlightens the darkness of our hearts
and enables us to grow in faith, hope and charity. Epiphany
is the season of illumination, highlighting God’s revelation
to all of mankind.
The Season of Epiphany begins with the manifestation of Christ
to the Magi in the manger in Bethlehem (Matthew 2). “The child
“showed himself forth” to them, like a candle shows forth
in the dark.” (Fr. John Foley, S. J.) The second major epiphany
is at Jesus’ baptism (Mark 1: 4-11). Jesus continues to reveal
himself to his new disciples culminating in his Transfiguration
in their presence (Mark 9: 2-9).
During Epiphany, we celebrate the revelation of Jesus in
our own time. “He is revealed as the Word of God speaking
to us in the marvelous workings of nature, in the achievements
of the human spirit, and in the dialogue between Church and
the world.” “He is revealed to us as King in every victory
over ignorance, alienation and powerlessness. He is revealed
to us as Suffering Messiah in the heart and face of every
poor person, every stranger, every wanderer living in a back
alley or under a bridge, every person victimized by others.
His glory has shone among us. We have only to recognize him
and to do what the magi did in his presence: They prostrated
themselves and did him homage.” (Gerald Darring)
JOIN US AT ST. FRANCIS DURING THIS SEASON OF ILLUMINATION
AND THROUGH WORSHIP COME
TO SEE CHRIST MORE CLEARLY, LOVE HIM MORE DEARLY, AND TO FOLLOW
HIM MORE NEARLY.
SERVICES OF WORSHIP DURING EPIPHANY ARE AT 8:30 A.M. AND
10:30 A.M.
DURING THE SEASON
OF EPIPHANY (SUNDAYS, JANUARY 11– FEBRUARY 17, 2015). |
