January 3 and 4

The Epiphany of the Lord

From Deacon Dick~

Epiphany 2025

“Rise up in splendor, Jerusalem! Your light has come, the glory of the Lord shines upon you … raise your eyes and look about … then you shall be radiant at what you see, and your heart shall throb and overflow.” (Is 60:1-5) As we celebrate the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord in the midst of winter’s darkness, the prophet Isaiah speaks to us about the glorious light of the Lord shining upon us! He reminds us that we ought not to stand by passively at the coming of the Light of the World, but that we must actively raise our eyes from the darkness of the various worlds in which we live … that we must truly see how Jesus has manifested himself in ourselves and in one another … that this new found sight will make our hearts burst at the seams with gratitude to God. Just as the Magi were guided on their journey by the light of the star, we too must allow God’s light to lead us into an ever-deepening divine union with Jesus. That is God’s gift to us and, yet, what shall we bring as our gift? I think this poem by Christina Rossetti says it exceedingly well!

IN THE BLEAK MID-WINTER

What can I give Him,

Poor as I am?

If I were a shepherd,

I would bring a lamb,

If I were a Wise Man,

I would do my part, —

Yet what can I give Him?

Give my heart.