Fr. Matthew Epiphany Reflection: A Call

A Call

To seek the Light, to see the Light, and to be the Light

Centuries before Christ, the people of Israel were intentionally awaiting the promised Messiah. Their anticipation for the advent of Christ was a profound part of their daily lives. They held onto the hope and confidence that God would save them and grant them peace, prosperity, forgiveness, and salvation from their struggles, challenges, and failures.

On December 25th, Christians around the world joyfully celebrated the fulfillment of God’s promise. Emmanuel — God with us — became a tangible reality through the incarnation of Christ. For the people of Israel and for all believers, Emmanuel represents the heart and fulfillment of God’s love and promise.

The hope and promise of the light and truth of God’s immense love and faithfulness is revealed to the chosen people today, as well as to all nations and people during the Solemnity of the Epiphany. The story of the three kings embodies hope, courage, commitment, and conversion, as they followed the star to the Light of the World, who lay in a manger.

As members of Lumen Christi Parish, we share the same commission to seek and see the Light. Through our true worship we can become His light in the world, embodying the call to be Christ’s disciples.

As we celebrate our parish feast day today, may we remain committed to Christ's call to be the light of the world, reflecting Christ within us and among us. Let us commit ourselves to our faith, family, and community, shining as stars that invite and proclaim Christ to those around us.

May our expressions of thanksgiving and worship bring the joys of the Gospel and its promises into our hearts and homes, filling us with happiness and blessings in this new year.

As we rejoice in the fulfillment of Love incarnate at Christmas, I also want to thank each of you for being the love and light of Christ in our parish family, and for your personal ways of encountering and witnessing to God with us through our Sunday worship and various ministries and outreach programs of the parish. A special thank you to the commissions and committees, volunteers, faculty and staff of our parish and school, our deacons, and Fr. Michael, for the impact they have on our community of faith and its growth.

May God bless us to be “One family sharing the love and light of Christ,” and may the wisdom and courage of the Magi inspire us as believers.

Fr. Matthew Jacob
Pastor