A Letter from Fr. Paul - January 5, 2020

I’d like to start with a few house-keeping items. First, there have been some comments made to me that people without handicap stickers are parking in the handicap parking spots. Out of concern for those who are disabled, please do not park in the handicap spots if you do not have a sticker. If the police drive by, they can give citations. Also, please do not park in front of the church, especially under the arches, as the weight is not good for the cement. Thank you for your cooperation.

We received a thank you from the Hunger Task Force for 320 bags of food. Amazing! Pius parishioners always come through! Congratulations and thank you.

Today we celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany. The first definition for “epiphany” in
​Merriam-Webster is “a usually sudden manifestation or perception of the essential nature or meaning of something.” Epiphanies are common in scripture; in fact, John organizes his Gospel around seven “signs” or “epiphanies” that gradually reveal Jesus’ true nature.

The big revelation which is celebrated today is that Jesus has come for ALL people, not just the Chosen People. The Jews were called first and protected the belief in one God among nations that believed in many gods. But, as the prophets foretold (an example of which we hear in our first reading), Jesus would come for all people.

While our human tendency is to set boundaries and borders so as to exclude others who do not look like us or believe as we do, God’s tendency is to include, to invite all, to have open borders. We can cling to what we believe to be right without excluding or pushing away others who think differently. To say it another way, the Jews were given the gift of their belief in God not to protect it for themselves, but as a stepping stone for all nations to be saved.

It is the same for us. Our faith is not something we have been given to protect, conserve, etc., but something that is given to us so that we can attract others and share it through our joyful and meaningful lives.

The Magi gave the child Jesus gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The Little Drummer Boy played his drum for Jesus. We are called to live a life of Gospel values that brings the light of Christ into our world. Let us support each other in prayer as we strive to do so each day of our lives.

May you have a happy, holy, and healthy 2020.

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