Feast of the Epiphany

My Dear Parishioners,
 
We assemble together to celebrate the Lord’s Day and to commemorate the Feast of the Epiphany .In the Western Church our primary focus is upon the visit of the Gentile Magi, to the Christ Child, who came from a great distance following the light of a star. The Evangelist Matthew tells us:” And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the Child was. They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the Child with Mary His Mother. They prostrated themselves and did Him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” These gifts have a symbolic meaning regarding Jesus. Gold represents His kingship as Lord of heaven and earth, frankincense used in worship indicates Jesus’ divinity and myrrh, which is used as a burial perfume, indicates that He would die for our salvation.
 
Gift giving is important. It is a sign of respect and love. Gifts which are given sacrificially are especially treasured. God’s ultimate gift of love given to us is His Only Begotten Son whose manifestation to the Magi we celebrate today.  God’s gift provides us eternal life, a gift no one else can give us.
 
Gift giving to God has been the important element in divine worship throughout salvation history. This practice is a sign of our faith which keeps our focus on God the Giver of all. As we begin this New Year we will once again be reminded of our gift-giving to God. Early next month a mailing will go out to all parishioners asking us to prayerfully consider what our gift will be to the Lord for the coming year. Like last year, we will participate in the increased offertory program produced by Our Sunday Visitor, asking us to commit to a pledged amount for our Sunday offerings. The mailing will include an informative brochure regarding our parish life and its finances. Also included will be a pledge card which we will be asked to bring to church on PLEDGE COMMITMENT SUNDAY. I want to inform you of this today because of the Sacred Scriptures reminding us how we need to be like the Magi who “ prostrated themselves and did Him homage…they opened their treasures and offered Him gifts…”
 
I thank God for the wonderful gift He has given me, our two parishes of Sacred Heart of Jesus and Saint Cecilia. Your faith, your generosity, your love for Christ’s Church inspires me and encourages me as your pastor. YOU ARE MY PRECIOUS GIFT WHICH I LOVE AND EMBRACE!
 
Happy New Year!
Father Zig