Dear Parishioners and Friends,

The common concept of the Epiphany is that of the three kings, who following the Star, brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the Christ Child in Bethlehem.  Their hopes were fulfilled more than they had expected.  They found the Savior, and fell down in worship.  They teach us that we should offer our best to God. That will always remain the chief concept; however, the Church has also understood the Epiphany as a threefold event: the Epiphany to the three kings; the Epiphany at the Baptism of the Lord; and, finally, the Epiphany at the first miracle of the Lord at Cana in Galilee.   “Epiphany” means a manifestation of God, a Revelation from above. 

The celebration of the Baptism of the Lord last Sunday ended the Christmas Season.  Monday, January 13, we began the weeks of Ordinary Time, which will continue up to March 5, Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent.  As we celebrate the Second Sunday of Ordinary time today we hear in the gospel about the third Epiphany – the first miracle of the Lord at Cana in Galilee.  This gospel account completes the threefold Epiphany.  It sets the foundation for these weeks before Lent, when we are all called to live out the grace of our baptism as more loving and faithful disciples of the Lord.  We are called to look within our hearts in an honest examination of conscience to see how we are doing, and then deepen our commitment to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.   The frequent use of the Sacrament of Penance has always been encouraged by Holy Mother the Church in this process.   I know that the grace of this sacrament is being received at IHM because of the many, sincere, profound confessions before Christmas.  

Of course, at Cana the best advice we receive comes from Mary, the Mother of God.  When there is no more wine and the wedding celebration seems to be in trouble, Mary directs the servants to listen to Jesus and follow Him (John 2:5):  “Do whatever He tells you.”[“Quodcumque dixerit vobis, facite; Whatsoever He shall say to you, do ye (Vulgate/Douay-Rheims).”] This is always the best way to live our Christian Faith.  Mary obeyed and was completely transformed by her Divine Son.  If we follow her, the same will happen to us in good times and in bad, no matter what.    “What Would Jesus Do (WWJD)?” is a good question to ask and then respond with an obedient, humble, generous heart like Mary our Mother.

The first miracle occurs at a wedding as a pre-figuration of the Sacrament of Matrimony, where Jesus gives particular graces to ordinary people to live out the mysterious adventure of married love and life.  More than ever we need the witness of faithful Catholic married people.   Our families are facing special challenges these days,  as Jesus calls out for all marriages to be built firmly on Him.   He is the firm foundation that will never falter come what may.

Yours in the Immaculate Heart of Mary,

Fr. Mark G. Mazza