Courtesy of Debra Greenblat, Catholic San Francisco, we have beautiful photos from the 2019 Vespers held at IHM on 1/24 and can be seen at the Gallery webpage.
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 Baptism of the Lord tells us that Jesus has entered into the nitty-gritty of our lives. Jesus is not aloof from what we experience, but in the midst of it all - good and even bad. Jesus is never on the side-lines just watching what happens to us. He is in the thick of things. ...
At the beginning of a New Year it has always been the custom to give thanks for the past year and humbly ask for God’s blessing in the New Year. The greatest title of Mary is “Mother of God.” .....