Dear Parishioners:
A very Happy New Year! The 19th Century English Poet Alfred Lord Tennyson wrote: "Hope smiles from the threshold of the year to come, whispering, 'It will be happier.'" Tennyson's words express our hope that 2021 might be a happier and better year than in 2020. We say so long to 2020, the Annus Horribilis, and we hope and pray that 2021 might be a year that brings more health, less sickness, more stability, less insecurity, more community, less isolation, more joy, less sorrow.
We begin the new year with the celebration of the great Solemnity of the Epiphany. The word epiphany comes from the Greek epiphaneia, meaning "manifestation." An epiphany is a time when something is shown, displayed, or manifested to an audience. It has come to refer to the feast celebrating the adoration of Jesus by the wise men (Magi) from the East. In the Magi, representatives of the neighboring pagan religions, the Gospel sees the first-fruits of the nations, who welcome the good news of salvation through the Incarnation.
The Feast of Epiphany calls us to contemplate our creation and orientation to our new creation in Christ Jesus. While at first, we are drawn to thoughts of the three gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, Epiphany's true gift is Christ's gift of Himself for our salvation. Therefore, the three gifts offered by the Magi should only be representations of our gift of self to the Lord. The mystery that the Epiphany of God — his manifestation — is hidden behind the tiny body of a newborn infant.
Saints and scholars have considered the richness of this mystery. Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, reflecting on this great mystery, in a sermon on the Epiphany, states: "What are you doing, O Magi? Do you adore a little Babe, in a wretched hovel, wrapped in miserable rags? Can this Child be truly God? Are you foolish, O Wise Men? Yes, these Wise Men have become fools that they may be wise."
The universal call to holiness means that the mystery of Christ must become the center of our existence. Our attitude must first and foremost be that of openness to the gift of Christ, an attitude that recognizes the transcendent reality beyond us and sees the world with the eyes of faith. Let us pray for this disposition so that Jesus Christ might become an Epiphany in our own lives.
Perhaps in our prayer and reflection, we might consider what gifts we bring to Christ this coming year? Is it the gift of our time, our devotion, our talent, our treasure? Is it a renewal of faith, a more profound conversion to Christ in daily life, a steadfast commitment to our family, marriage, church, or perhaps merely more acts of charity and mercy? May the Magi inspire us to give our gifts without counting the cost as we worship and adore Christ in word and deed.
In his annual Message for the 54th World Day of Peace on January 1, 2020, His Holiness Pope Francis reminds us: "At a time like this, when the barque of humanity, tossed by the storm of the current crisis, struggles to advance towards a calmer and more serene horizon, the 'rudder' of human dignity and the 'compass' of fundamental social principles can enable us together to steer a sure course. As Christians, we should always look to Our Lady, Star of the Sea, and Mother of Hope. May we work together to advance towards a new horizon of love and peace, fraternity and solidarity, of mutual support and acceptance. May we never yield to the temptation to disregard others, especially those in greatest need, and to look the other way; instead, may we strive daily, in concrete and practical ways, 'to form a community composed of brothers and sisters who accept and care for one another.'"
As we begin another new year, let us pray and reflect upon the Holy Father's message. May it inspire us to be people and a parish of love and peace, solidarity and fraternity, charity and mercy. May our patroness, Our Lady of Mercy, guide and protect us in 2021! In the name of Fr. Barrow and Fr. Connors, I assure you of our prayers for a Healthy, Happy, and Holy New Year in 2021 for you and your family. We hope and pray for the end of the pandemic and the peace, health, well-being, security, and prosperity of the world.
Stay safe. Be well. Do good. God Bless 2021!