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Jeff From Fr. Ken

Feast of the Epiphany!

The-Nativity-by-Rhoden-Franz-Geburt-Christi.jpg Today is one of the greatest feasts in the year of the Church. Today Jesus’ birth, the Light of Christ, is made known to all the nations, not to just the few shepherds and village people near where Jesus was born. In many countries, the Feast of the Epiphany is more important than December 25. Many people exchange gifts on this day (as the magi brought gifts to Jesus). In fact, some Christian faiths celebrate January 6 as the actual birth of Jesus, not December 25.

As you may know, there are some theories as to the actual date of the birth of Jesus. Most theologians and biblical scholars believe that Jesus was actually born in the spring (March or April). In the hills around Bethlehem, the weather is too cold to have the sheep out and they would be corralled at night. Additionally, it is unlikely that the Emperor would have announced a census and made everyone travel to the native villages during the winter.

Many believe that the date of December 25 was chosen from an ancient pagan feast honoring Saturn or perhaps the Egyptian God of the sun, Ra (Re). The date of December 25 falls just after the winter solstice, when days start to get longer. Adopting the feast from a pagan celebration might have made Christmas more interesting to pagans, attracting some of them to Christianity.

There are some customs associated with Christmas that come from pagan tradition, for example the Christmas tree. Recently this theory is considered less likely. Beginning in the 4th century, according to tradition, there were two dates that Jesus birth was celebrated: December 25 in the west and January 6 in the east. Another theory says that Jesus crucifixion took place on March 25, which was near the Passover feast. That would mean that Jesus conception and death both took place on the same day. Other ideas look at the birth of John the Baptist, and when he was conceived, to determine the date of Jesus birth. In that case, it could be sometime in September.

As we know, the Bible is not an historical book; rather it tells us about the life and teaching of Jesus. It really makes no difference on which day Jesus was born, what is important is that He WAS born, lived and died for us. As we celebrate the feast of the Epiphany, we should be proclaiming that birth to all, by our actions and our lives. As we pray in today’s responsorial psalm, “Lord, every nation on earth shall adore you”!

Fr. Ken

Jeff From Fr. Ken

Who is in charge of your life?

Last weekend’s snow storm reminded me once again how beautiful our world is. I know that many people don’t like the snow and cold weather. We are Michiganders; God made us hearty people. I think that many people don’t like the winter because they like to complain about the weather. St. Theresa of Avila is one of my favorite saints, mostly because she has some great quotes. About this she said, “There is no such thing as bad weather. All weather is good because it is God’s”. I like to remind children when they tell me that they are bad, that “there is no such thing as a bad child. You came from God and everything from God is good”.

The storm also reminded me that every so often God reminds us that it is He that is in charge. We had great plans for the early morning celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe on Monday morning. Las mañanitas, the morning prayers to honor the Virgin of Guadalupe, with Mass, is a common tradition that we had planned. Because of the snow, we judged it best to cancel the celebration, although we did have a nice quiet 8:30am Mass with 20 or so faithful. Yes, God is in charge. Maybe our celebration was meant to be simple, humble, unassuming, as Mary is. We have to learn, over and over again, to put everything in God’s hands and trust.

As your preparations for Christmas become more hurried, take a few minutes each day and realize who is in charge of your life. Do you have to have control? Or can you leave it up to God?

Fr. Ken

Jeff Announcements, From Fr. Ken

Happy Thanksgiving from Fr. Ken

Thanksgiving is probably my favorite holiday. And it’s not even a religious holiday. There is no real decorating of homes necessary, no crazy rush to buy and exchange gifts. It’s a time to enjoy the company of others, eat well and probably too much, watch some football, and be thankful. “Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens”, Abraham Lincoln declared when he officially proclaimed the fourth Thursday of November as a national holiday in 1863.

We know the story of the pilgrims who celebrated their first harvest. Their feast lasted three days, attended by 90 Native Americans and 53 pilgrims. It’s not just about what we eat and drink, but also about whom we share the day with. For that, we are thankful.

This Thanksgiving, I am thankful for YOU. Yes YOU. For all of you, for the dedicated staff members, the many volunteers on all levels, all of you who participate in the life of our parish by helping out on commissions, committees and in the various groups and clubs. I am thankful for ALL of YOU, those who challenge me, those who strive to raise our parish to the next level, and to those of you who share comments and sentiments because you want our parish to be even greater in serving the Lord and all of God’s children. Thank you.

“Father all-powerful, your gifts of love are countless And your goodness infinite; As we come before in Thanksgiving With gratitude for your kindness, Open our hearts to have concern For every man, woman, and child, So that we may share your gifts in loving service. Through Christ our Lord. Amen” – (From the collect prayer of Thanksgiving Day Mass)

Fr. Ken