The message of the Epiphany
In Matthew’s Gospel, we have one of the most popular religious quest stories. It is the story of the wise men who came from the east, to seek the infant King of the Jews.
The wise men found Jesus, left their gifts and returned home. But they took home a treasure within themselves that far surpassed what they brought. They were enriched by their encounter with Jesus and the gift of knowing who Jesus was.
Our question is: What does the story mean for us? Matthew is telling us a wonderful truth which is good news for us. He is telling us in a beautiful story that Jesus has come for all people. He is the infant King of the Jews but He is not the exclusive property of any one nation. Those leading us in the Prayers of the Faithful this weekend from different nations shows us the Jesus belongs to us all and we can all belong to Him. He is the journey’s end for all who seek the face of God and for all who wish to find meaning in their lives. He came not just for the chosen race but for the whole human race. The Scriptures and the star led the wise men to Bethlehem which literally means “The House of Bread”. Each weekend when we come to Mass we meet Jesus again in the Scripture and in the Eucharist. We have our own Epiphany.
In this Year Of Faith, remember you are someone who is called to be a star, to enrich others with the truth of your own religious experience. Faith is not a problem to be solved, but a gift to be discovered.
Deaths: We remember in our prayers those who have died recently Cal McCarthy, High St. Sean Creamer, Capwell Ave. Tom Cuthbert, late of Friar’s Rd, Verona O’Riordan, Capwell Rd., Gus O’Sullivan, Capwell Ave, Brendan Murphy, Mercier Pk. and Canon Michael Crowley former Parish Priest of the Lough and one of the founders of the Peru Mission. We extend our sympathy to their families.
Important Dates:
Ash Wed. 13th Feb.
First Confessions: 26th Feb.
Easter Sunday: 31st March
Parish Confirmations: 19th April
First Holy Communions: 18th May
Wishing you the very best for 2013. May it be a year of many blessings, good health and true peace for you.
Loving God, inspire us
with courage and hope, as
we embark on this Year of Faith.
May our lives throughout the
coming year be an example of
your love in our relationships
with family with friends and
with those we meet in our work.
Bless us with fruitful opportunities
this year, grant us the wisdom to grasp
them and the resources to realise them.
Catholic Newspapers: The Irish Catholic,The Catholic Times & Catholic Herald are on sale each weekend We encourage you to keep up to date on faith issues by purchasing a copy each week.