This Sunday we celebrate the feast of the Epiphany.  As we celebrate this feast, we recall the experience of the wise men who were on a difficult journey of faith to encounter the Lord.  As we know, they persevered as they faced many obstacles on their journey, including the danger and discomfort involved in traveling a long distance.  Like these wise men, we also are challenged to persevere on our journey of faith, despite the obstacles which we encounter.  These obstacles can come in the form of temptations that lead us away from the Lord.  These temptations are very real and very powerful.  Fortunately, we do not journey alone, and we do not face our temptations alone.  We have our faith community at Saint Brigid.  We have each other, and above all, we have Jesus.  Therefore we have faith in Him as our guide and as our teacher.  As we journey together, and as we strive to resist these temptations, we can support each other, encourage each other, work with each other, and pray for each other on the way.

This Sunday, we also focus on the work of the Mustard Seed Communities (MSC) as we reflect on the fundamental dignity of the human person and hope to see that dignity reflected in all God’s children. As previously noted, Mustard Seed was founded by Msgr. Gregory Ramkissoon, a Catholic priest in Jamaica.  MSC started in Jamaica and expanded to Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic, and Zimbabwe.  It cares for several hundred children with special physical and mental health needs, many of whom have been abandoned.  It employs trained social workers and specialists who provide great care and compassion for children with special needs.

Pope Francis stated, “We need to see each child as a gift to be welcomed, cherished, and protected.”  Mustard Seed strives to love and protect the most vulnerable of the children entrusted to its care.  It strives to focus on these children as gifts from God. MSC also manages a number of community outreach programs to combat poverty and provide educational opportunities to local populations.

Saint Brigid Parish supports MSC primarily through its spiritual and financial assistance.f Our parishioners also participate in mission trips to assist in the construction of appropriate housing for the children in need. fSome of our parishioners have also adopted children from the various communities of Mustard Seed. Saint Brigid parishioners involved in the work of the Mustard Seed Communities will be available after the Masses this weekend to answer questions about the Community and the work it does. fWe are asked to do our part to assist our brothers and sisters in need as we continue and persevere on our journey of faith.