THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD
6th/7th January 2018


Dear Parishioner

This weekend we celebrate the feast of EPIPHANY. The Greek word Epiphany (επιφανεια), means appearance or manifestation. First, the angels revealed Jesus to the shepherds. In the Western Church, the Feast of the Epiphany celebrates Jesus' first appearance to the Gentiles, represented by the Magi, while in the Eastern Church, the feast is the commemoration of the baptism of Christ where the Father and the Holy Spirit gave combined testimony to Jesus' identity as Son of God. Later, in the synagogue at Nazareth, Jesus revealed himself as the promised Messiah, and at Cana he revealed his Divinity by transforming water into wine. These multiple revelations are all suggested by the Feast of the Epiphany.

Today's Gospel teaches us how Christ enriches those who bring him their hearts. The adoration of the Magi fulfills the oracle of Isaiah (first reading), prophesying that the nations of the world would travel to the Holy City following a brilliant light, bringing gold and incense to contribute to the worship of God.

Today's Responsorial Psalm (Ps 72) includes a verse about kings coming from foreign lands to pay homage to a just king in Israel. Paul's letter to the Church of Ephesus (today's second reading), expresses God's secret plan in clear terms: "the Gentiles are … copartners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the Gospel."

Today's Gospel reminds us that if God permitted the Magi - foreigners and pagans - to recognize and give Jesus proper respect as the King of Jews, we should know that there is nothing in our sinful lives that would keep God from bringing us to Jesus.

SEND, O LORD: HOLY APOSTLES INTO YOUR CHURCH

Fr Sabu Pariyadan RCJ


Notices:

Please remember to pray for:

Daily for the sick clergy of our Diocese

The sick and housebound

Those who have recently died: Canon Tony McKentey, Mary Braun, Sabina d'Souza

Years Mind:
Sunday: Fr John Bloomfield
Friday: Fr Francis Dobson
Sunday: Fr John King


Next Sunday - SECOND SUNDAY OF YEAR B

First Reading: 1 Samuel 3:3-10,19
Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 6:13-15,17-20
Your bodies are members making up the body of Christ.

Gospel: John 1:35-42
They saw where he lived, and stayed with him.