FATHER JIM'S JOTS - Feast of the Epiphany - January 7, 2024

Feast of the Epiphany

January 7, 2024

FATHER JIM'S JOTS

Greetings!!

Epiphany has several meanings, including "manifestation" or "sudden insight."  In the context of the feast we celebrate today, it means Jesus was manifested to the world.  The Magi represent the world and the different peoples from whom they came.  Of the gifts that the Magi presented to Jesus, St. John Chrysostom said, "For by gold the power of a king is signified, by frankincense, the honor of God, by myrrh, the burial of the body; and accordingly they offer Him gold as King, frankincense as God, Myrrh as Man."

On Epiphany it is  Christian tradition to pray for the blessing of our homes.  Below is a prayer that we can use to ask God for his Blessings in the New Year.

Prayer for Epiphany

Lord God of heaven and earth,

you revealed your only-begotten Son to every nation

by the guidance of a star.

Bless this house

and all who inhabit it.

Fill us with the light of Christ,

that our concern for others may reflect your love.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.  Amen.

The Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith is a department of the central administration of the Catholic Church that deals with doctrinal issues related to the Catholic Church.  In a formal declaration published Dec. 18 and approved by Pope Francis, it will be possible to bless same-sex couples.  If you would like to have your relationship blessed, please reach out to Fr. Jim.

Blessings,

Fr. Jim

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