Embedded Files
Sunday, January 4, 2026
Hello to all who read this bulletin,
And the Lord be with you all!
Today, we celebrate the Epiphany (Revelation/Showing) of the Lord. There are multiple moments when Jesus is revealed to us to be Who He really is…God and man. Two of the other traditionally recognized moments of the Epiphany mystery are considered separately: His Baptism in the Jordan (celebrated next weekend) and His Self-Manifestation at the wedding of Cana. Although we (western/Latin Christians) maintain a different focus for the following mysteries, some Eastern Churches also add to the Epiphany the (February 2) Presentation of the Lord in the Temple (until which time we will leave the Nativity Scenes up in our churches), and of course His Transfiguration (celebrated on August 6, and in a lesser way during Lent as an anticipation of His Passion and subsequent glory).
In our own homes, we can share in this outward manifestation of the Lord by participating in the Epiphany blessing of chalk and home. This invokes the Lord’s blessing on our homes and other buildings, along with the intercession of the three wise men, but it also often serves as a conversation starter about the Faith for visitors to our homes when they ask about the markings over the entrances to the home (“20 + C + M + B + 26”: instructions will be distributed on a separate note to do this). I heartily encourage you all to do this!
On a final note for Epiphany, I want to draw your attention to the prayer over the offerings said on Sunday (not on Saturday evening): “Look with favor, Lord, we pray, on these gifts of your Church, in which are offered now not gold, or frankincense or myrrh, but He Who by them is proclaimed, sacrificed and received, Jesus Christ.” Yes, the bread and wine we begin offering become Christ, Who the Magi adored and Who offers Himself to the Father as a sacrifice for our sins on Calvary, also made present to us here at Mass. Be with Him in all this…
Thank you and a happy New (civil!) Year to everyone who worked so hard to beautify our churches and the liturgies themselves for Christmas, especially the cleaners, decorators, musicians and cantors, altar servers, lectors, extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion, ushers, those who helped with security inside and outside. I also want to thank all who gave gifts and cards to me and Father Kwang and Deacon Jason. Thank you to all who donate to both parishes and to Saint Joseph’s Cemetery (the latter of which, the cemetery, I need to apply greater focus due to its underfunding and much need for support). However, above all, let us all give thanks to God our Father, to His Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen!
God bless and Happy New Year,
Father Maher
p.s. My brother will be giving a talk on the betrothal of Mary and Joseph in mid/late January that you will most likely find enlightening! We will announce the date and time shortly.
Report abuse