Epiphany 2010
Happy New Year and Happy Epiphany!
On January 2nd (or 6th for you tradionalists) we celebrate the feast that recognizes that God is God of all the Earth and of all people and nations! If we take time to imagine, even partially, what that means we will find ourselves caught up in the immensity of God’s compassion and mercy for all people.
Here at St. James we honor this feast by celebrating how diverse and multi-national our parish is. At the 12:15pm Mass we’ll have readings and music in some of the various languages that represent our roots. Some will dress in clothing from their native countries. Afterward we’ll have a feast that will tickle the taste buds of every palate. We do Epiphany real well here.
My encouragement for you today (and for me as well) is to make this Godly Spirit of inclusivity and welcome last for more than just this one feast day. We can all imitate our Lord’s compassion to the alien and foreigner in better ways. It is easy for us to fall prey to the Devil’s temptation to believe that generosity of welcome, compassion, forgiveness, and kindness are limited resources. The Evil One would like for us to believe that we should use those spiritual commodities with stinginess, like they will run out if we over indulge in them.
However our God encourages us to do just the opposite. God will never be outdone in our generosity of any kind. He promises that “good measure, pressed down and flowing over will be poured” into the emptiness of our lives whenever we attempt to be as generous and forgiving as God.
On this Feast of the Epiphany of Our Lord let us ask God for the courage and fortitude we need to imitate the all inclusive and welcoming heart of God. Let us hope to see all others, no matter their nationality, language, belief, or orientation, as children of God as we are.
paz,
Fr. Chuck
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Dear Father Chuck,
ReplyDeleteWhen I came "home" for the holidays this past Christmas, I was happy to be reminded by my sister Nancy of your blog -- Walker's Wanderings. Your sermons are often cause for discussion after Mass when I'm around. Your messages are always down-to-earth and thought-provoking -- at least the ones I've been here to consider. Your blog is no exception! When I read your thoughts about the Epiphany, I was reminded of your recent sermon regarding Joseph. The same message rang true: Trust in the Lord and be committed to walk the walk.
Living in Florida poses its challenges in understanding and accepting cultural, religious, gender, economic, and linguistic diversities. As a teacher, I experience many of these differences and challenges as they manifest themselves in the classroom. I often think of Mother Teresa and her dedication to make the world a better place for all humanity -- especially the downtrodden, the distressed, and the diseased. Her ability to open her heart and walk the walk graces all of us and affords us the opportunity to make a difference in the world -- starting small with ourselves and family, spreading out to the community, and eventually the world.
What is an epiphany but a mind-broadening AHA! God grants us the realization that we CAN make a difference. When we trust in God and open our hearts to share joy with others who are different from us, we grow in love for humanity. By doing this often enough, we soon discover that as humans we are more alike than unalike. Spiritual love transcends differences and allows us to be real children of God -- non-judgmental, enthusiastic, open, playful followers in His Light.
One epiphany I've had along my spiritual path in life concerned itself with a repeated asking of this question: Lord, how am I to live my life? The answer (when God was ready to reveal it) came forth quite clearly: Love is the answer; forgiveness the way. Simple words, yes! Simple actions, no! Forgiveness is daily work -- especially forgiving one's self. Being willing to walk the walk and actively make a difference with God as your companion and connection works miracles. With the start of a new year around the corner, I thank you for that timely reminder. God's language is love -- loving self and others. Anything less is a poor translation of His Word. As you suggest, with God's guidance and support may we all have the fortitude to invite many into our lives with a sincere, welcoming heart.
May your epiphanies continue and your words of inspiration reach out to those who surround you. I look forward to reading and hopefully responding to future blogs. Please know YOU do make a difference. Many blessings!
Eileen