Epiphany

01-04-2026Weekly ReflectionFr. Fred Adamson

Dear Parishioners,

Merry Christmas and Epiphany blessings! The word Epiphany means "manifestation" or "revealing." We often use it to describe a moment of insight, when something once unclear suddenly makes sense. Today, on the Solemnity of the Epiphany, we celebrate God's great revelation: His love made visible for all nations in Jesus Christ.

The Preface of today's Mass proclaims this mystery beautifully: "For today you have revealed the mystery of our salvation in Christ as a light for the nations; and, when he appeared in our mortal nature, you made us new by the glory of his immortal nature." Christ comes as light for everyone, inviting all people to share in His divine life. God's saving love is not limited or exclusive - it is offered freely to the whole world.

The visit of the Magi reveals something deeply human as well. These seekers from afar remind us that every human heart longs for meaning, purpose, and truth. Often portrayed as wise men from distant, pagan lands, the Magi show us from the very beginning that Jesus is for all people. His message and saving power are meant for every nation, culture, and language. That truth was an epiphany in their time, and it remains one for us today. God loves saints and sinners alike, and when we trust in that love, true peace can begin to take root in our lives.

The gifts the Magi bring further unveil the mystery of the Christ Child. Gold honors Him as King, the One who desires to reign in our hearts. Frankincense acknowledges His divinity and God's holy presence among us. Myrrh, used to anoint the dead, points to the suffering and sacrifice He will one day endure for our salvation. From the simplicity of the manger, God's loving plan unfolds before us.

This weekend, we invite you to take a small gift home as a way of extending this mystery into your daily lives. Please visit the crèche and take a bag containing blessed chalk, holy water, and a prayer for your home. This Epiphany blessing is a way to begin the New Year by marking your doorway as a sign of your desire for God to dwell within your home and within your relationships. What we celebrate here as a family of faith, we are called to live each day in our homes, places meant to be filled with grace, peace, and love.

This understanding of Christmas as something more than a single day was reinforced for me just before Christmas. I was buying a few boxes of Christmas cards, and the cashier said, "You'd better hurry to get those mailed before the 25th." I smiled and replied, "That's okay - Christmas is more than a day; it's a season." Indeed, the Church invites us to celebrate Christmas through the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. The mystery of God-with-us deserves time to be savored, prayed over, and lived.

In that spirit, I invite you to join us this afternoon at 3:00 p.m. for our Epiphany Concert as we continue to celebrate the joy of the Christmas season. It is a beautiful way to let the light of Christ revealed at Epiphany continue to strengthen and fill our hearts. My sincere thanks to Kent Campbell and all our choirs for their dedication and extra efforts these past weeks. May this Epiphany be a gentle reminder to you and to all who enter your homes that God desires to dwell among us, bringing light, peace, and blessing to our world.

Merry Christmas and Epiphany blessings,

Fr. Fred