From the Deacon’s Desk 01/03/2021

Dear Friends:

Today we celebrate the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord. Our reading is from the Gospel of Matthew 2:1-12. It is one of the most famous stories we have. I do believe that every child over the age of seven is familiar with the three Kings. Many countries exchange gifts on the feast of the Epiphany rather than Christmas Eve or Christmas Day as is the custom here in America.

It is believed that the Magi from the East were some type of royalty. This, however, is not confirmed; they could be astrologers or some other wealthy group of people. They saw his star in the sky and came to honor him. The important thing is that they arrive in Jerusalem looking for the new King of the Jews, and they are not Jews.  They are Gentiles and yet they have come to honor the new King of the Jews. Even foreigners believe that something special has happened. They have come a long way to attest to it.

Notice at the end of the Gospel the list of the gifts they brought to the newborn King. Gold, a gift fitting for royalty; Frankincense, a gift that is fitting for a deity, and Myrrh, which is an ointment used on a person who has died. By bringing these three gifts, they attest the newborn baby Jesus is King, God, and will die an unrecognized pauper.

I encourage each of you to read through this story. Ask the Lord what he is trying to tell you and show you where in this reading he wants you to go. Then take the answer you get and make it your life for the rest of this New Year.

Peace and All Good!

Deacon Jim

It seems that the Corona Virus is winning our battle to fight it off. Please do not give up. The most important things in life take time and effort. The Wise Men from the East traveled many miles without giving up hope of finding a newborn King. If we follow their example we can win this battle also! Pray always and follow the rules! We can and will beat this virus!