From our pastor, Father Neil Herlihy:
This Sunday we celebrate the great Feast of the Epiphany. As we celebrate this feast, we think of the wise men who were on a difficult journey of faith to encounter the Lord. As we know they faced many obstacles on their journey, including the danger and discomfort involved in traveling a long distance.
Like the wise men, in this day and age, we also are on a difficult journey of faith to encounter the Lord, and we also face many obstacles. We may encounter obstacles in the form of friends, co-workers, and even loved ones who subject us to ridicule, cynicism, and doubt simply because we dare search for the Lord in our lives. We may encounter those in our society who do not want to leave a place for the Lord in our marriages, in our homes, or in our schools. We may also have to deal with our own pride, stubbornness, and selfishness which may be serious obstacles for us.
Fortunately for us as disciples, we have help to overcome these obstacles. Like these wise men, we do not undertake our spiritual journey alone. Like these wise men, we are part of a community, a brotherhood, a family of faith. One of our leading Catholic authors reminds us that we are wise to be part of this community, this brotherhood, this family because we cannot journey successfully alone. We need each others’ guidance; we need each others’ support; we need each others’ encouragement; we need each others’ prayers.
As we reflect on this wonderful feast of the Epiphany, in the spirit of the wise men, we are invited to persevere on our journey of faith. As we strive for perseverance, Pope Francis has challenged us, as Catholics, to be a more integral part of the Church. He recently stated that being part of the Church means “…sharing spiritual goods – the sacraments, charisms and charity”, including helping someone or praying for those in need. He spoke of the bond of unity and sharing that should mark the lives of all Christians on their spiritual journey. We can support each other, encourage each other, work with each other, and pray for each other on the way. As we begin this New Year, as disciples, we can lift each other up spiritually as we reaffirm our commitment to strive to give honor and glory to the Lord who loves us.
Best wishes to you and your families for a happy, healthy, and holy New Year.