Seasonal Reflections

Today’s Readings

The Epiphany of the Lord

Today we celebrate the Epiphany of the Lord, traditionally on January 6th, but liturgically observed this Sunday. We know the story of the magi—wise men who traveled far to encounter the Holy Family and adore the newborn Jesus. Imagine Mary treasuring this moment in her heart, and Joseph in awe as he embraced the mystery of the child entrusted to him.

The epiphany was the manifestation of God’s love to the world. For Mary and Joseph, this visit confirmed the greatness of their Son. For all of us, it revealed that this child, vulnerable as he was, is the Son of God, that we all, no matter our vulnerability, are children of God. Salvation’s doors were opened to all and every nation. God’s love and might was revealed not in power, but in the poverty of a stable and yet welcoming these kings from afar.

Traditionally, this feast has been a day of prayer for immigrant families. Following the visit of the Magi, Joseph and Mary learned of Herod’s persecution and fled to a foreign land, where they spent the first three years of Jesus’ life. They knew firsthand the hardships of being displaced, persecuted, and treated as strangers in an unfamiliar land.

The Gospel reminds us of our duty to welcome the stranger—a challenge that extends to all people of goodwill who cherish the dignity of human life, especially the most vulnerable.

As you contemplate the Epiphany, place yourself alongside Mary and Joseph in wonder, experiencing the paradox of a child who came as King of the nations, yet whose dignity was disregarded, subject to persecution and exile.

Reflect on how you can be a shining star—a source of God’s presence and hope—for those who, even today, suffer as Mary and Joseph once did.

Blessed Feast of the Epiphany.

Marta Pereira, EdD

Director, Cultural Initiatives and Spiritual Formation

Campus Ministry

Today’s Readings

Saying “Yes!” to God’s Plan

January 1st is the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God (in Greek, Theotokos, meaning “Bearer of God”). Jesus’s conception, birth, and circumcision after eight days began with Mary saying, “Yes!” Yes to God’s plan. Yes to being Mother of God: “May it be done to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38)

How do we say “Yes!” to God’s plan? Today’s Scriptures suggest we should follow the law, be open to adoption as God’s children, and reflect upon God’s plan.

Follow the law. Not only the positive law (the focus of most law schools!) but also the natural law, divine law (Scripture), and eternal law. As St. Paul says: “God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to ransom those under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.”

Be open to adoption by God. Jesus’s coming fulfilled the Mosaic Law. Jesus freed us from sin, so we might receive adoption. As God’s adopted children, we are no longer slaves to sin but “heirs” to God’s grace.

Reflect upon God’s plan for us. “And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart.” We should reflect on “all these things” during Christmas. Jesus prayed often. We should too. “Not my will, but Yours be done.” (Luke 22:42)

The Second Vatican Council states: “Clearly from earliest times the Blessed Virgin is honored under the title of Mother of God, under whose protection the faithful took refuge in all their dangers and necessities.”

Mary’s example starts with a “Yes!” to God. Like Mary, we can say “Yes!” to God’s plan, even when it is difficult. Let us pray that Mary, Mother of God, may guide and protect us, as we seek to do God’s will at St. Thomas.

Daniel B. Kelly, Dean and Mengler Chair in Law

School of Law, University of St. Thomas

Today’s Readings

Perhaps this season finds your home illuminated by the soft glow of Christmas lights, wrapped in the warmth of a fireplace, brightened by a Christmas tree decorated to perfection with ornaments that recall cherished memories from throughout the years. And perhaps, for some, on the top of the tree sits an angel, perched serenely in adoration, or jubilant in song, looking out over the room with a reverence and joy that befits the coming of Christ.

At and around the Nativity, angels abound. The Gospel today tells us twice that “the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph”. We immediately hear echoes of Christmas night when angels of the Lord come to proclaim tidings of great joy: the Savior is born!

Angels are God’s messengers, sent to communicate a word from the heart of God, a word that guides, instructs, makes clear the way to walk with the Lord. In this passage, the angel of the Lord helps Joseph keep Mary and Jesus safe; the angel directs the Holy Family where to go to escape the wrath of Herod and then guides them safely back to Nazareth years later. Each time we learn that the angels’ instruction is ordered to fulfillment of “what had been spoken through the prophets”.

Scripture today offers an invitation to reflect on where and how has the Lord guided, instructed, illuminated my own path of faith this year? Where have I noticed the presence of angels – perhaps even some unawares – sent to communicate God’s love and protection in my own life?

May the angels, like they did for the Holy Family, watch over and protect every family. May they remind us to rejoice exceedingly in the gift of the Christ Child who has come to dwell among us. And may they help us to listen attentively and respond trustingly to Emmanuel, God-with-us, so that the Father’s will may be fulfilled in our homes, too.

Dr. Bridgid Smith, Adjunct Faculty -Theology.

Today’s Readings

As we celebrate Christmas Day, how do we move forward into a new year as people shaped by the reality of the Incarnation? What difference does the Incarnation make in our lives once the gifts have been opened, the good dishes have been put away, the radio stations have returned to non-Christmas music, and kids have returned to school?

We need look no further than today’s reading from the Gospel of John, which includes a beautiful summation of John the Baptist’s ministry:

He was not the light, but came to testify to the light.

We are not the light, but today and every day, we are called to point people to the light, to reflect the light in how we live and work and love others. As Pope Leo has shared, when we center ourselves on Christ, we “overcome the logic of the world, of fake news, of frivolity, with the beauty and light of truth.”

What might it look like for you to point others to the light? It will almost certainly look different from person to person, from one day to the next. Maybe it’s an encouraging word, a meal, an invitation, a deeper question, a helping hand, a willingness to walk alongside someone suffering, or the sharing of our reason for hope.

For many years, the prayer I carry with me through the day has been a simple one: “Lord Jesus Christ, Light of the Universe, shine in me and through me.” That’s still my prayer for my day. And for yours too.

Merry Christmas!

Robert K. Vischer
President