|
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 8 – FEBRUARY 19, 2012).
| 
