Rembrandt's Visitation of the Magi
Dear Friends,
Christmas continues though the world has moved on to other things - New Years resolutions, College Bowl Games and many back to school and work as of today. There are Twelve Days of Christmas ( a few days left) and we end with moving into Epiphany, the day we celebrate the wise men arriving and the revelation of Christ to the world as Savior, King and Messiah. The seasons of Advent, Christmas and Epiphany are referred to as a "cycle of light" where we begin in shadows and darkness and a light grows (think of the Advent Wreath) In the incarnation of Jesus the light is revealed and the darkness scatters. In Epiphany that light is manifested in us and through us continuing to dispel the darkness of this world. We become bearers of light, remember the words of Jesus... "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden." (Matthew 5:14)
I think of Epiphany as a time to consider our mission to bring the Good News of Kingdom to the world. How are we engaged in proclaiming by word and deed the Gospel? Gospel proclamation can be a bit overwhelming when we think of the task of evangelism. However I would offer this simple understanding; we simply live our faith honestly and earnestly in front of folks. By what we say, the decisions we make, our actions we shout to the world where our allegiance lies. Do people know we love Jesus? By how we live our lives they should. This is the discipleship that pleases God, shaping us and forming us in the "faith once received".
I hope in the days ahead, as we enter the season of Epiphany we will make a conscience effort to look for opportunities to share the joy we have found in knowing Jesus. May this be our focus in 2011 and always. (BTW - Happy New Year! :-)
in the mission,
Father Jon+
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A Few Things....
Organic Discipleship resumes January 5th and 6th 2011
Morning Prayer Weekdays 7:45am / St. Francis Oratory Chapel
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