The Light in the Darkness
If you've ever watched cartoons, you've probably noticed that when a cartoon character gets an idea, the cartoonist illustrates the moment by turning a lightbulb on above the character's head. Lightbulbs have served as a metaphor for the illumination of one's mind. They symbolize enlightenment, knowledge, and epiphanies.
Epiphanies can come in many different forms, and are often a combination of experience, memory, and knowledge. The greatest epiphany is the one we celebrate this weekend: The Epiphany of the Magi and their visit to Jesus, the manifestation of the Son of God. This event teaches us that Jesus' coming into the world was not only for a few people but that the Christ is for everyone, both then, now, and forever.
Epiphany is steeped with meaning for those seeking enlightenment. The image of the Magi following a bright star across the darkened landscape is one of hope and promise. Their journey ends, not in a palace, but in a humble dwelling. Theirs is a story of surprise and wonder, of unexpected blessings and challenging encounters.
Ideas for your Church of the Home to celebrate Epiphany
King Cake People in Mexico, Spain, France, and Germany celebrate the day by sharing “King’s Cake.” Download a recipe from the Internet and bake it. Don’t forget to place a symbol of the baby Jesus in the batter. This could be a small bean or an almond. The one who gets the slice of cake containing the symbol is considered to be especially blessed.
Home Blessing It is traditional to bless your home and household on the Feast of the Epiphany, perhaps because of the biblical reference to the three kings entering the home where the Holy Family was staying in order to worship the Christ child there.
A more traditional form of the Epiphany blessing involves using blessed chalk to write the letters C, M, and B, plus the year, above the main entrance to the home (or above the door to each room in the house), like so: 20 + C + M + B + 24. The letters are the initials of the traditional names of the three magi: Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar. They also represent the Latin words Christus mansionem benedicat, which means: “May Christ bless the house.” Of course, the + represents the cross.
Then, go from room to room in your home and consider the way each space is blessed. Resolve to make your dwelling a hospitable place in which to receive others. How can you make your home more gracious to friend and stranger alike?
Discuss:
When have you recognized God’s presence in your life in unexpected places or through unexpected people?
When has Jesus been your star, leading you through doubt, confusion, or anxiety to a deeper love?
Which of your treasures have you already given to Jesus?
Which one are you still keeping back instead of sharing it with others?
Join us for Mass at 4:00 PM on Saturday, 8:30 or 10:30 AM on Sunday, or on www.gbres.org/live, our YouTube channel, and our Facebook page.
READINGS FOR THIS WEEKEND’S MASSES
VIRTUALLY SUNDAY REFLECTION
Darkness, unfortunately, is a part of life. We've all experienced dark moments, some more darker than others. But there always is a glimmer of light - a light that shines through the darkness to guide us. Join Tony as he reflects on this weekend's scripture readings.
This Weekend's Bulletin
(click to read)
Families
Parish Lyceum
The Parish Lyceum will feature a variety of topics, guidelines, and relevant information to nurture the PIESS of our lives – physical, intellectual, emotional, spiritual, and social.
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Katie and Tony discuss what prayer is, different types of prayer, and how to incorporate prayer into your life in a deeper way for 2024.
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Ruby and Res
Ruby doesn't have a valuable gift that she could offer Baby Jesus like the Magi did. How about her favorite toy?
