Gulf Pine Catholic

Gulf Pine Catholic • January 6, 2023 5 Compassionate Service 228-374-5650 Bradfordokeefe.com 9274 Hwy 49/Airport Gulfport, MS 39503 228-863-5525 1-800-880-2446 FAX: 228-863-9612 www.butchoustalet.com Michele Q. Pisciotta, MD Gynecology 1721 Medical Park Dr., Suite 200 Biloxi, MS 39532 228-271-3814 Opening Reflection -- Image: About five years after my mother died, my father left New York, where he had lived for 80 years, and came to live with us in rural Tennessee. He soon discovered that the bright and always on streetlights that obscured the nighttime stars in the New York sky had become a sky of brilliant stars against a backdrop of pitch darkness. It became his favorite pastime to sit and stare in wonder at his newly discovered, brilliantly lit, sky. Someone wrote, “Seekers see Jesus as God’s brilliance revealed against the world’s milieu of darkness.” Guiding Star: 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, wealth, and the ability to persuasively articulate a rallying call -- not a little child. But this child is different. Epiphany celebrates this one unique child, born in the obscure village of Nazareth, in Bethlehem, revealed locally to shepherds, kings and religious leaders, and today, revealed to the world. But: In today’s first reading, Jesus is the glory of the Lord shining upon us -- light dispelling darkness. Isaiah’s words, “See, darkness covers the earth, and thick clouds cover the people…” (Isaiah 60:2a), link to darkness at the beginning, in Genesis, when God created light that broke through with power and love and created from nothingness. When we raise the eyes of our hearts above the present void, we too share his glory and walk by his radiant light. When burdened with sickness, financial problems, relationship struggles, the cares and problems of our nation and the world or other setbacks it is sometimes difficult to see God’s glory. Covid-19 created its own brand of darkness: isolation from family, friends, coworkers, and absence from frequent Mass attendance. Isaiah encourages a need for hearts that overflow with an abundant relationship with the Lord through a deep and frequent prayer life as our priority. 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 can turn our circumstances around for good and infuse light and forgiveness into our darkness and sin. Coheirs: Paul’s revelation liberates 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 boldly reveal our identity as Gospel believers, worship the Lord with abandon, and gently encourage others to see the glory of God for themselves. As “stewards of God’s grace” we can partner with the Lord, revealing God’s presence of light and peace in the circumstances, tragedies, and celebrations we encounter and as witness to those who observe our lives. Light Conquers: Today’s Gospel personifies a contrast between darkness and light. Herod was so self-absorbed that he saw Jesus as a threat and wanted to destroy him. The chief priests and scribes knew the promises of a coming Messiah, but their pride of position kept them hardened and impenetrable. Stubbornness and sin can keep us from yielding to the Lordship of Jesus. Personal pride of good health, wealth, self-sufficiency, and seeking to please the flesh put us at risk to reject Jesus. On the other hand, the Magi followed the light of hope, persevering in the face of Herod’s deceit, delays, and detours until they found and worshiped the Lord of glory. They demonstrate the faith, trust, and persistence each of us needs to overcome subtle voices that promise something better than what our Lord has to offer. They were first believers and then seekers who would not be deterred in honoring, worshipping, and proclaiming Jesus as Lord. Bowing humbly before his majesty. What if you and I held every thought, word, and action of ours up to the scrutiny of the Lord’s purifying light revealed in His Word and through His Church to avoid thinking and acting in the ignorance of darkness? What if we lived the sacramental life of the Church consistently: the full extent of our Baptism, Sacramental Reconciliation, sharing in Christ’s Eucharistic presence at Mass, being intentional disciples of Jesus with a mission that only the empowerment of the Holy Spirit gifts and grace given at Confirmation can manifest? Closing Comments and Questions: The three wise men saw the light, sought the light, and became light for others. Try this for a New Year resolution that will bring joy and blessings: SEE Jesus in your tragedies, celebrations, public worship, quiet thoughts, and prayers and especially in the most difficult people with whom you interact. See him at Adoration, in the Blessed Sacrament and at Mass. SEEK Jesus continuously in your prayer, praise, and study of His Word. Saint Jerome said, “Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ.” Enroll in a good Catholic Bible study. Think of how you can best glorify God in your heart and in your home. BECOME Jesus for those who have not yet acknowledged His Lordship. Use the example of the saints you admire and people of faith that you know to help you reveal the gift of God’s grace to others. CatholicAnswers.com has many resources to help with this. Follow the Light: God told the Magi not to return to Herod -- How, in this New Year, can you avoid returning to old habits that put distance between you and God? Think of the people you know best -- which of these is the Lord leading you to share how God is the true light of your faith? 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: 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 Light of life! Deacon Torrell i Sunday Scripture Commentaries