From the Pastor – The Epiphany of the Lord

January 5, 2020

From the Pastor – The Epiphany of the Lord

As our celebration of Christmas continues, today we observe the great feast of The Epiphany of the Lord. The word “epiphany” comes from Greek and means manifestation or appearance. The stewardship way of life is one in which we live in grateful response to God’s countless manifestations in our lives. 

Our Gospel passage, from Matthew, has much to teach us about stewardship, through the actions of the magi.

As good stewards, the magi were watching for manifestations of God’s presence in their lives. “We have seen the star at its rising,” they say. Good stewards are keenly aware of the “star” of God’s presence and His gifts in their lives. It is this awareness that fills them with gratitude and the desire to both worship God and share His gifts with others.

The magi, upon seeing the manifestation of God’s presence in their lives, “were overjoyed.” Good stewards, who live with the awareness of God’s presence and gifts to them, simply can’t help but be filled with joy. Not necessarily the fleeting and superficial kind of joy the world promises through wealth or power, but rather the deep, unalterable joy only God can give.

Finally, the magi were so filled with awe upon encountering the newborn Jesus, they prostrated themselves before him and “opened their treasures and offered him gifts.”  This is precisely why good stewards generously share their material gifts — as a loving act of worship to an extravagantly loving God.

Let us rejoice in God’s manifestations in our lives and be watchful for the new ways He is calling us to share ourselves and our gifts in gratitude to our King in the year ahead.

Pastoral Pondering – On behalf of all of the priests, I want to thank all of those who have dropped off Christmas goodies and gifts during this joyful season. Your kindness and generosity are a true expression of Christmas.

As we begin a new calendar year, we have an opportunity to make resolutions. As things go, these are often made and forgotten rather quickly. In the spiritual realm though, our commitment and resolve needs to be steadfast. St. Bonaventure says that “the Holy Spirit comes where He is loved, invited and expected.” Let us in this year of the Lord 2020, love, invite and expect Him to come into our hearts and into our lives.

From the Pastor

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