Gulf Pine Catholic

Gulf Pine Catholic • January 5, 2024 5 Compassionate Service 228-374-5650 Bradfordokeefe.com In thanksgiving to St. Jude, Blessed Mother, & Holy Spirit, for prayers answered. JO Opening Remarks -- Story: Five years after my mother died, Dad started showing signs of dementia. He had lived in New York for 80 years but, after two strokes, came to live with us in rural Tennessee. It was a culture shock for him. He moved from a two- bedroom, one-bath apartment in Queens to a 2,500-square-foot two-story house on a 5-acre plateau where our neighbors to the east were horses and cows. In the daylight hours, Dad would go outside and wonder why the shops, the people, the traffic, and the everyday busyness he was so accustomed to seeing were not there. At night, he would stare at the sky and marvel at how bright the stars were against the backdrop of pitch darkness. He would say, “I never knew there were so many stars in the sky.” Power: The Collect for today’s Mass proclaims God’s revelation of His Only Begotten Son to the nations by a guiding star. It was a clear sign for anyone hungering to rise above darkness and seek a power greater than self. We usually associate power with prestige, intellect, financial strength, and the ability to persuasively articulate a rallying call -- not a little child. But this child is different. Epiphany celebrates this one very special child, born in the obscure village of Nazareth in Bethlehem, revealed locally to shepherds, kings, and religious leaders, and today, revealed to the world. Seekers can still see Jesus as God’s brilliance revealed against the world’s milieu of darkness. Believers can live the reality of Jesus present among us and now make Him known even more. Companionship with Jesus: In his bestselling series, Jesus of Nazareth -- The Infancy Narratives -- Pope Benedict XVI wrote, “The wise men from the east are a new beginning representing the journeying of humanity toward Christ. They initiate a procession that continues throughout history. Tradition has developed the idea of universality by conceiving (them) as kings from all three known continents: Africa, Asia, and Europe. … In the kingdom of Jesus Christ, there are no distinctions of race or origin. Humanity is united in Him and through Him without losing the richness of variety. Later, the three kings came to be associated with the phases of human life -- youth, maturity, and old age. This too makes good sense, highlighting that each stage of human life finds its true meaning and inner unity in companionship with Jesus” -- Pages 96, 97. But: In Isaiah, Jesus is the glory of the Lord shining upon us -- light dispelling darkness. Isaiah’s words, “See, darkness covers the earth” (Isaiah 60:2a), link to darkness at the beginning, in Genesis, when God created light -- where He broke through, with power and love, and created from nothingness. If we would only raise the eyes of our hearts above our present void of sin, we, too, will share His glory and walk by His radiant light. When burdened with sickness, financial problems, relationship struggles, or other setbacks, it is difficult to see God’s glory. Jesus, revealed prophetically in word and physically in reality, is God’s assurance we have nothing to fear. Isaiah continues, “But upon you, the Lord shines, and over you appears His glory” (Isaiah 60: 2b). “But” is a word of interruption, a contradiction of what has been -- a word of hope to the weary in body, mind, or spirit. We put faith in the God who knows our struggles yet can say, “But;” turn our circumstances around for good and bring newness and healing. Liberating Theology: Paul’s profound revelation is liberating to those formerly in darkness. “Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and copartners in the promise (of eternal life) in Christ Jesus through the gospel” (Ephesians 3: 6). Once we receive this blessed promise, nothing less will do. We can come out of the closet, reveal our true identity as Gospel believers, worship the Lord with abandon, and gently encourage others to see for themselves. As “stewards of God’s grace,” we can partner with the Lord, revealing Him in the circumstances, tragedies, and celebrations of those we encounter. Truth Personified: Today’s Gospel personifies a contrast between darkness and light. Herod was so self-absorbed that he saw Jesus as a threat to carrying out his own agenda. The chief priests and scribes had knowledge of a promised Messiah, but their attitude of indifference kept their hearts hardened. The Magi followed the light of hope, persevering in the face of deceit, delays, and detours until they found and worshiped the Lord of glory. They saw the light, sought the light, and became light for others. New Year Resolutions and Reflections: Try this for a New Year resolution that will bring joy and blessings: SEE Jesus in your tragedies, celebrations, public worship, quiet thoughts, prayers, and especially in the most difficult people you interact with. SEEK Jesus continuously in your prayer, praise, and study of His word. BECOME Jesus for those who have not yet acknowledged His Lordship. For Reflection: 1. How can you best glorify God in your heart and in your home? 2. How do people of faith reveal the gift of God’s grace to others? 3. God told the Magi not to return to Herod -- How, in this New Year, can you avoid returning to old habits that distance you from God? 4. What characteristics or attitudes of the Magi, Herod, or the chief priests and scribes do you resemble? For Action: Using results from the questions above, strengthen your love, worship, and service of the Lord by eliminating negative and heightening positive characteristics and attitudes you have identified. Deacon Ralph Torrelli lives in Hattiesburg and is assigned to St. Thomas Aquinas Parish. Visit his web- site: www.homilypearls.com. First Reading: Isaiah 60:1-6 Responsorial Psalm: 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13 Second Reading: Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6 Gospel: Matthew 2:1-12 Epiphany of the Lord Conquering light Deacon Torrell i Sunday Scripture Commentaries Pray for vocations to the priesthood and religious life in the Diocese of Biloxi by visiting www.invisiblemonastery. com