We began our New Year on Tuesday. Happy New Year to one and all! Now the big question: How are those New Year’s Resolutions going? Have you made any? Have you kept any? Have you broken any?
The start of a new year is a good time to reflect a little on last year and then to look ahead to this year. How can I be a better person, is the question to ask? Only you have the answer.
According to the news most people resolve to drop a few pounds, especially after all the sweets we have during the holidays. But they are already pushing Valentine’s Day with lots of candy.
To pray more is much farther down the list, but it is something we can easily do. All we need is a few extra minutes a day to talk and listen to God. The listening part is really important. As they used to say “Try it! You’ll like it!”
Today we celebrate the Epiphany of the Lord. In our first reading the Prophet Isaiah foresees that wonderful day. “Nations shall walk by your light, and kings by your shining radiance.” He goes on to foresee what we have in our Gospel. “Caravans of camels shall fill you, dromedaries from Midian and Ephah; all from Sheba shall come bearing gold and frankincense and proclaiming the praises of the Lord.”
Our Responsorial Psalm joins in the celebration: Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.
Our Gospel today tells us the story of the Magi. Foreigners came from afar following a star seeking the new born king of the Jews and Herod, the then king of the Jews had no idea that Jesus was being born. He needed to have his wisemen examine the Scriptures to find the place of the Messiah’s birth. The Magi went forth and found the baby. “They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.” Gold shows him to be a king. Frankincense shows him to be God and the myrrh places his cross in the background, reminding us that he will die for our sins. Myrrh was used for burials.
Our second reading tells us “that the Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and copartners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the Gospel.” Before the Magi everyone in the nativity story was Jewish. The Magi show us that the kingdom of God id open to all nations. It is true that wise men and wise women still seek him.
The Christmas season in the Church continues until next Sunday, the Baptism of the Lord. Even though the stores have put away their Christmas decorations and have sold all their Christmas left overs at discount prices, in the Church we continue to celebrate the Birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. You can still listen to a Christmas Carol or two, if you want, without feeling guilty. You don’t need to buy Valentines for a few weeks! The religious goods companies, including the diocese, are already sending me ads for palms and ashes for Lent and that doesn’t start until March 6!
Let us continue to pray for peace in the world. Let us also pray for vocations to the church. Let us pray for the sick of the parish. Let us pray that all will come to respect life. Let us pray for one another and for the canonization of Father Tolton. Let us also pray for those who are victims of sexual abuse and mass shootings.
A Father Tolton Prayer:Father in Heaven, Father Tolton’s suffering service sheds light upon our sorrows; we see them through the prism of your Son’s passion and death. If it be your Will, O God, glorify your servant Father Tolton, by granting the favor I now request through his intercession (mention your request) so that all may know the goodness of this priest whose memory looms large in the Church he loved. Complete what you have begun in us that we might work for the fulfillment of your kingdom. Not to us the glory, but glory to you O God, through Jesus Christ, your Son and our Lord; Father, Son and Holy Spirit, you are our God, living and reigning forever and ever. Amen.