Pastor's Reflection 1/4/2026

The Epiphany - Our Search For God

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As we gather to celebrate the Solemnity of the Epiphany, we are reminded of the profound truth that God’s light shines for all nations. The visit of the Magi serves as a powerful symbol of this universal revelation, and it echoes beautifully in the story of Cornelius from the Acts of the Apostles.

In Acts 10, we encounter Cornelius, a Gentile centurion whose heart was already attuned to God. His story exemplifies the divine guidance that accompanies those who earnestly seek truth. Just as the Magi received direction from the star guiding them to the Christ Child, Cornelius was led by a vision that prompted him to seek out Peter. This intersection of faith and divine action reflects our own journeys toward understanding and embracing the gift of God’s love.

The Epiphany calls us to recognize that God's message is not confined by cultural or ethnic boundaries. Cornelius’s conversion marks a significant moment, showing us that the Good News of Jesus is intended for everyone. His sincere prayers and acts of kindness illustrate the restless heart longing for God, a longing that we all share.

We are all called to give an account for the hope inside us (cf. 1 Peter 3:15). I’ll never forget the intense joy I felt as I began to share my faith with others and realized that I could be used to help others encounter Christ. The first few attempts were a bit awkward because most of us who were raised Catholic were never taught how to share our personal testimonies. God brought the right people and resources into my life to help me. The most important thing is the desire of our hearts to show forth the compassion and love we have found in Jesus Christ.

Epiphany is all about recognizing the hunger for God that exists in every heart and praying in the power of the Holy Spirit to proclaim God’s marvelous deeds through our words and actions.

God is going to equip us for the works of ministry (cf. Ephesians 4:11-12) as we move forward as a parish family, and wonderful opportunities await us as we share the hope that does not disappoint (Romans 5:5).

I wish you all a most blessed celebration of the Epiphany.

In Christ,

Fr. James Northrop, Pastor