Dear Friends in Christ,

As the liturgical season of Christmas continues to unfold, this week we celebrate the "Epiphany of the Lord." The word "epiphany" means "revelation" or to show. God reveals Himself to the nations as the "light" for all to see and for all to experience His salvation to us in Christ Jesus our Lord. The Gospel tells us that the "magi" were "overjoyed at seeing the star" that led them to the manger of Jesus. When they encountered the Lord, "they prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh." The deeper message of the feast of the Epiphany offers us an opportunity to experience the revelation of Jesus in our own lives.

The light of Christ is constantly revealing Himself to us throughout the course of our daily lives. As the Prophet Isaiah proclaims, "the glory of the Lord shines upon you." God's glory will shine forth through the fabric of our lives when we are open to receive the gift of His revelation to us. What is God revealing to each of us? His message is one of peace and love. God loves us so much that He would die for our sins in order for us to experience eternal life in heaven. This revelation is meant for every human being that has ever lived in the past and those yet to come. Could God give us, his children, a more profound gift than Jesus Christ? Of course the answer to this question is a resounding NO. Yet, there are many in our world, including those who claim to be believers, who value more the things of this world than the eternal gift of Jesus. Is it possible that our world could supply enough of anything that could save even one person? Only God can forgive and only God can save through Jesus Christ. The revelation of God to each of us is that Christ is the Way, the Truth and the Life. Every heart should "throb and overflow" at the sounding of this incredible news. It is somewhat sad and astounding that so many people do not seem to care about God's great gift of Himself to humanity.

The magi gave gifts in thanksgiving to the Lord of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. They gave the best that they had. We too are challenged to give the best that we have to the Lord. However, better than gold, frankincense, and myrrh, the most profound gift one can give would be to give the gift of the heart. God has given us everything in Jesus and we ought respond to give our all in return.

From the scene of the manger, we encounter the Risen Lord who is asking for our heart to respond to the "call to holiness." Answering this call "in service of the Gospel," will encourage and enliven us to choose "another way" in our life course, as did the magi after their encounter with Jesus. The magi had to make a profound decision to follow the light of the star. I ask you to pray with me for the grace to do the same in your life.

Therefore, I encourage you to decide to be more engaged with your faith in Jesus Christ by being more engaged with your parish family that is designated to perform His works. God is showing each of us a new and more profound way by offering the many opportunities for service through this community. Make this New Year different than years past. Ask for the grace to be more decisive in who you are – what you believe – and how you will live your life more deeply in the way of Christ.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Fr. James Tarantino,
Pastor