Today’s Solemnity of the Epiphany celebrates God’s bringing the Gentiles to meet the newborn Savior. Found not in a palace, but in a simple travelers’ lodging, the infant Jesus reveals something of God’s nature, humility, and way of behaving. As our Gospel tells the story of the visit of the Magi, we learn three important truths from this story. First, God alone directs salvation history. King Herod wanted to run things by mee ti ng with the Magi and wan ti ng to find out the whereabouts of the infant but God protected the Holy Family and the Magi. God was in charge! Secondly, God had prepared us for this coming Messiah through the words of the prophets. We heard that the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem fulfills what the prophet Mica had foretold nearly eight centuries earlier: Bethlehem…from you shall come a ruler, who is to shepherd my people Israel (Micah 5:2) and thirdly, we learn that Jesus is God’s gift to all nations. The Magi who brought gifts to Jesus are traditionally identified as Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar. These three magi from the East represented the other major nations of the world in the time of Christ. Let us celebrate the gift that God has given: Jesus Christ—a gift offered to all people, for which God has long‐prepared the world.

As we begin this new year, I am announcing an exciting and spirit-filled “Parish Pilgrimage to the Holy Land and Paris/Lisieux—the sanctuary of St. Therese,” The Little Flower.” The pilgrimage begins on September 3rd and we return on September 17th. Please see today’s bulletin for more details and call for more information and reservations. I can only tell you that walking in the footsteps of Jesus can only bring you closer to the Lord!

As we bring this Christmas Season to a close, I take this opportunity to simply say thank you to everyone who has given so much of their time and talent to making this entire Christmas celebration so beautiful. Many blessings to all of our choirs, lectors, ushers, eucharistic ministers, sacristans, and servers. A special thank you to the Art and Environment Committee for the beautiful liturgical décor of the church and for the parish staff who have worked long hours behind the scenes to make everything so special for us! Also, on behalf of Fr. Oscar and myself, many thanks to all for your Christmas greetings, gifts, and goodies! I think we have gained several pounds over the holiday season! Thank you! And finally, thanks to all who have been participating in these glorious days and a loving welcome to all who visited us or to those who have been away from the Church for a while. This is your house too! Happy New Year and much love — Fr. Vince.