Today, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord. Matthew is the only evangelist who tells the story of wise men from the East, who follow a star in their search for the newborn King of the Jews. These “wise men” might be practitioners of Eastern mystical traditions, Babylonian astrologers, Arabian magicians, or rich adventure seekers. They come from another world and are seeking something extraordinary. We might even see in these travelers the restless searchers of our own age – people who keep looking for the ultimate experience, the perfect path, the next big thing. We continue to tell and reflect upon their story as part of our own journey more than 2,000 years later. The wise men are more than “new agers” from an ancient time. They follow signs and they show us the star. That star, pointing to the Christ-child, is still part of our world today. Sometimes our work may be to polish the star and make it shine when it has been obscured by clouds of doubt, scandal or suspicion. Sometimes we have the privilege of pointing it out to restless searchers; and sometimes we are the ones out in the dark, cold night, needing to get back up on the camel and follow the star again ... until it leads us once more to the Christ-child, who brings life and joy for the whole world.
Monday is the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, which brings the Christmas Season to a close. Many thanks to all of you for making the Christmas Celebrations so glorious! The Sacrament of Baptism calls the followers of Christ to something big: repentance and service. Monday begins National Vocation Awareness Week, a time to think about how you will live out your call to greatness – in your chosen vocation or in the vocation you are still contemplating. By your Baptism you were anointed with the Holy Spirit, which gives you the power to act with justice and compassion.
God bless all of you for your generous Christmas gift to your parish. The Christmas Collection total for 2011 was $11,197. May the Lord reward you for sharing your time, talent and treasure with Holy Cross Church throughout 2011!
Our Responsorial Psalm this week, "Lord, every nation on earth will adore you" reminds us to do what we can to share God’s love and peace among all peoples.
Six rings are great but 7 would be heaven ... GO STEELERS!
