Solemnity of the Epiphany of Our Lord

01-05-2025Letter from the PastorFr. Don Kline, V.F.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Today we celebrate the Solemnity of the Epiphany. What exactly is an epiphany? One definition of the word epiphany is simply “a profound realization of something important; a breakthrough; a deep and profound understanding of something once mysterious.” The term "Epiphany" comes from the Greek word epiphaneia, meaning "appearance" or "manifestation." So today we celebrate the God revealing Himself in human form through Jesus Christ. We see this revelation in three key events:

• The visit of the Magi (Wise Men) from the East, who recognized Jesus as the Messiah and brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh (Matthew 2:1-12).
• The Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River, where God the Father declared Jesus as His beloved Son, and the Holy Spirit descended upon Him (Matthew 3:13-17).
• The Wedding at Cana, where Jesus performed His first miracle by turning water into wine, thus revealing His glory and leading His disciples to believe in Him (John 2:1-11) to describe God as being made manifest in Jesus Christ – Emmanuel – God with us.

On Christmas we focused on Jesus’ humanity. On Epiphany we turn our attention to Christ’s divinity. The magi help us to understand what His divinity means through their presence and their gifts. The gift of gold honored Jesus as king. The gift of incense honored Jesus as God. And the gift of myrrh point to Christ’s death. Our Lord was born to sacrifice His life for us. Upon the Cross, Our Lord gave His life for the forgiveness of our sins. Our Lord’s resurrection destroyed the power of sin and extended the offer of eternal life to those who love Him. Today we offer our gifts, just like the wise men who offered this Divine Child homage and adoration as only a true King deserves.

Next week we celebrate the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, a dramatic leap forward in Jesus’ life when we celebrate the initiation of Jesus’ public ministry. We also celebrate the fact that Jesus walked among us, teaching us by His words and example - as God and as man. God’s presence among us teaches us the value of every person and that each person is a gift from God. Our Lord’s presence among us also reminds us that we are on this journey together.

As part of the journey, we are called by Our Lord to imitate Him - to care for those we encounter… a teenager reaching out for genuine attention, an elderly person needing company, a poor family needing food, children in poorer countries in need of water and medicine. Together we can glorify God in ways that are pleasing to Him. May today be for us a reminder of the many and varied ways that Our Lord places people ‘on the way’ to help us reach our goal - heaven. Caring for others is a vital step along the path He has laid out for us.

As you walk along the path of faith this week, consider how God has manifested Himself to you personally. What is your response to this human and divine outpouring of love? Are you an obligatory Catholic or are you a cheerful steward giving back what He has already given you? We are blessed at St. Bernadette to have a variety of ways to learn and serve as stewards of God’s many gifts.

Please be sure to take a look at our website www.saintbernadette.com to see our wonderful apostolates. Please pray about where Our Lord is leading you this year. The new year brings new opportunities for you. May Our Lord be your strength and your hope as you seek to do His will.

God Bless,

Fr. Don Kline