As we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord today, we hear the voice of the Father proclaiming Jesus as His beloved Son. In this profound moment, the Father calls out to reveal to the world that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and the fulfillment of all the promises of the Old Testament. This event not only inaugurates Jesus’ public ministry but also reminds us of our own baptism, through which we are called into the family of God and sent forth as disciples.

This reflection ties beautifully to our Jubilee Year of Hope. Just as Jesus’ baptism marked the beginning of His mission, so too does our own baptism initiate us into a life of hope and purpose, grounded in the love and mercy of God. This Jubilee invites us to renew our commitment to our baptismal call and to share the hope of Christ with all we encounter.

Today’s celebration also marks the conclusion of the Christmas Season in the modern Church calendar. However, in the older liturgical calendar, the Christmas season extended until the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord on February 2. This feast, also known as Candlemas, commemorates the presentation of the child Jesus in the temple and the proclamation of Simeon, who called Him “a light for revelation to the Gentiles and glory for your people Israel.” Candlemas holds a special place in the Church’s tradition as a feast of light and hope, a celebration of Christ’s presence as the Light of the World.

In honor of this tradition, our poinsettias will remain in the church through February 2, helping to extend the beauty and joy of the Christmas season a little longer. Let us carry forward the light of Christ in our lives, inspired by the profound mysteries we celebrate in this holy season.

Here are a few thoughts for the week ahead:

Today will never come again: be a blessing, be a friend, encourage someone, take time to care, let your words heal and not wound. The best kind of love is when you have no expectations. True love does not come by finding the perfect person, but by learning to see an imperfect person perfectly.

Pax et Bonum, Fr. Andy

The Power and Tradition of Mass Intentions

The Mass is considered the greatest prayer of intercession in the Church. This is because it is the perfect offering of Christ to the Father, making present the Paschal Mystery of His death and resurrection. Traditionally, a Priest may be requested to offer a Mass for a specific intention, even if the requester cannot be physically present.

Offering Masses for the Deceased:

Having a Mass offered for a deceased person is an ancient and commendable practice. A Mass is offered to pray for the departed, that they may find peace in heaven. Since each Mass holds infinite value, requesting one or several Masses is of tremendous benefit to the person prayed for, as well as their family, who can take comfort in knowing that their intention is united with the prayers of the Church.

The Mass: Center of Christian Life:

Every Mass is a precious gift from God. It is the center of the Church’s life, known as “the source and summit of the Christian life,” because in the celebration of the Mass, we are brought back to Jesus’ Last Supper, the first Mass. We consciously recall the love of God poured out for us through the life, death, and resurrection of His only Son, Jesus Christ. At each Mass, all the intentions of God’s people, both living and deceased, are included. As Pope Paul VI noted in his motu proprio “Firma in Traditione,” the faithful, moved by an ecclesial and religious sense, join their own sacrifices to the Eucharistic sacrifice, participating more intensely and supporting the Church’s needs, especially its ministers.

Requesting a Mass Intention:

Anyone may request a Mass Intention for a living person, a deceased person, members of a family, or a special intention appropriate to the celebration of the Eucharist, such as World Peace, Vocations, or Respect for Life. The Church allows only one intention per Mass.

Offering a Mass Stipend:

The normal stipend offering for a Mass is $10. However, a Mass Offering can be more or less than the suggested amount, depending on the financial position of the person requesting the Mass. Envelopes for Mass intention requests are available at the entrances of the church. These envelopes can be placed in the collection basket or returned to the parish office. The requester may also ask for a card to be sent to notify someone that a Mass Intention has been requested (one card per intention). Please note that the name of the person(s) requesting the Mass is not announced.

The Feast of the Epiphany is a day of revelation and wonder—a time to reflect on the manifestation of Christ to all nations, symbolized by the visit of the Magi. As the Magi followed the star, they found not only a child but the hope of salvation for the entire world. This feast is a powerful reminder of God’s universal call to hope and redemption, a fitting connection to the Jubilee Year of Hope that we celebrate this year.

The Magi’s journey to Bethlehem is a journey of hope. They were seekers, following a divine sign that promised something extraordinary. Despite the uncertainties and dangers of the road, their hope drove them forward, trusting that the star would lead them to the fulfillment of God’s promise. In a similar way, we are invited to embark on a journey of hope during this Jubilee Year. Life’s path often leads us through challenges and uncertainties, but our faith assures us that God’s light will guide us to the ultimate fulfillment of His promises.

The gifts of the Magi—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—carry profound meaning. Gold symbolizes the kingship of Christ, frankincense His divinity, and myrrh His suffering and death. These gifts remind us that hope in Christ is not naive optimism; it acknowledges the reality of life’s struggles and the transformative power of God’s love through them. In this Jubilee Year of Hope, we are called to offer our own “gifts” to Christ—our trust, our service, and our commitment to bringing His light to others, especially those who find themselves in darkness.

The story of the Magi also highlights the universality of God’s salvation. The Magi, as representatives of the Gentile world, show us that Christ’s birth is not just for one nation or people but for all humanity. This truth aligns beautifully with the theme of hope. No one is beyond the reach of God’s grace, and no situation is too bleak for His redemption. The Jubilee Year of Hope encourages us to embrace this universal call by fostering unity, reconciliation, and mercy in our lives and communities.

Epiphany reminds us that God’s light is for everyone. Just as the star guided the Magi, God’s light guides us today through the teachings of the Church, the sacraments, and the witness of faithful believers. In this Jubilee Year, we are invited to be bearers of that light, helping others to see the hope that comes from a relationship with Christ. Whether it is through acts of kindness, sharing our faith, or simply being present to those in need, we can reflect the light of Christ to a world longing for hope.

As we celebrate Epiphany, let us reflect on the ways we can live out the call of the Jubilee Year of Hope. Are we willing to follow the star, even when the road is uncertain? Are we prepared to offer our gifts to Christ, trusting that He will transform them for His glory? Are we ready to share His light and hope with others, especially those who may feel forgotten or unloved?

The journey of the Magi ended in the presence of Christ, the source of all hope. As we continue our journey through this Jubilee Year, let us keep our eyes fixed on Him, the Light of the World, trusting that He will lead us to the fullness of His promise. May the hope of Epiphany fill our hearts and inspire us to be messengers of His light and love in the year ahead.

Pax et Bonum, Fr. Andy

The Power and Tradition of Mass Intentions

The Mass is considered the greatest prayer of intercession in the Church. This is because it is the perfect offering of Christ to the Father, making present the Paschal Mystery of His death and resurrection. Traditionally, a Priest may be requested to offer a Mass for a specific intention, even if the requester cannot be physically present.

Offering Masses for the Deceased:

Having a Mass offered for a deceased person is an ancient and commendable practice. A Mass is offered to pray for the departed, that they may find peace in heaven. Since each Mass holds infinite value, requesting one or several Masses is of tremendous benefit to the person prayed for, as well as their family, who can take comfort in knowing that their intention is united with the prayers of the Church.

The Mass: Center of Christian Life:

Every Mass is a precious gift from God. It is the center of the Church’s life, known as “the source and summit of the Christian life,” because in the celebration of the Mass, we are brought back to Jesus’ Last Supper, the first Mass. We consciously recall the love of God poured out for us through the life, death, and resurrection of His only Son, Jesus Christ. At each Mass, all the intentions of God’s people, both living and deceased, are included. As Pope Paul VI noted in his motu proprio “Firma in Traditione,” the faithful, moved by an ecclesial and religious sense, join their own sacrifices to the Eucharistic sacrifice, participating more intensely and supporting the Church’s needs, especially its ministers.

Requesting a Mass Intention:

Anyone may request a Mass Intention for a living person, a deceased person, members of a family, or a special intention appropriate to the celebration of the Eucharist, such as World Peace, Vocations, or Respect for Life. The Church allows only one intention per Mass.

Offering a Mass Stipend:

The normal stipend offering for a Mass is $10. However, a Mass Offering can be more or less than the suggested amount, depending on the financial position of the person requesting the Mass. Envelopes for Mass intention requests are available at the entrances of the church. These envelopes can be placed in the collection basket or returned to the parish office. The requester may also ask for a card to be sent to notify someone that a Mass Intention has been requested (one card per intention). Please note that the name of the person(s) requesting the Mass is not announced.