Dear friends in Christ

The feast of The Epiphany of Our Lord has a twofold significance: Christ is made manifest to the world in the persons of the Wise Men and then follows the call to worship. Most of the great representations in art depict these facets of Epiphany. This is a mystery that is recalled to our eyes every time we enter our church building: the central panel of the Reredos shows Mary presenting the Child Jesus to the Magi—and to us. This representation is directly above the Tabernacle, so the link to adoration is very evident. St Mathew tells us that upon entering the house where the Child and His Mother were, they fell down upon their knees and worshipped Him. The gifts they offered also represent the desire to give generously to God in the elements we employ for the sacred liturgy. Let us learn from these men how to live a sense of amazement in the presence of God. They would only have seen a poor child with his parents, nothing much to recognise on the surface. If we had been there, would we have seen through the eyes of faith, the revelation of God? We need to be attentive, lest we pass-by the glory and the beauty of God in our midst. Let a sense of amazement in the face of God, ever move us to awe and worship.

The celebration of the Baptism of Jesus follows on Monday. Normally this is the occasion for the Blessing of Newly Baptised Children, and this Sunday evening we shall indeed have this Benediction as usual, distributing to them the Miraculous Medal—sign of the protection of our Heavenly Mother.

With my renewed greetings, good wishes and blessing for the start of 2024!!

Msgr Kevin Hale