News - January 2023 RSS Feed

We have all probably heard the saying that those who preach should "comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable." That would seem to be an apt description of the Book of Zephaniah. The prophet "pulls no punches" in pointing out the evils of his day; however, today's word from him is actually one of comfort and peace.

Imagine walking or driving along an unfamiliar road in pitch black darkness...not something anyone would really want to do! Physical darkness is bad enough, but spiritual darkness is far worse. That is the message today at the beginning of this year as we consider the beginning of Jesus' public ministry. He is the Light of the World, and in the gospel readings each successive week we will see this light glowing brighter and brighter.

Our liturgy today is concerned with pointing out Jesus as the Messiah. The root meaning of the word "messiah" is "anointed." Jesus is the Anointed One, sent by God on a mission to our sinful, rebellious world. Jesus is the one who fulfills the prophecies of Isaiah. John the Baptist saw the Spirit descending upon Jesus and recognized him as the one who would baptize mankind in the Holy Spirit. Jesus is the "Anointed Anointer."

Communication is important, as I think we would all agree. We instinctively recognize the need to communicate and publicize the news about a person, product or event that we have found significant or helpful. Today's feast is all about that. Epiphany means "manifestation, " or "making known."