Celebrate

In today’s gospel, we continue to reflect on what it means to journey, a theme that connects us to the recent Christmas season and pushes us forward into this new year’s journey of discipleship. Over the past few weeks, we have seen this theme in many of our scripture readings. Today we hear the call of the first disciples, those who left all to follow Jesus. Jesus beckons us to follow him completely. He sacrificed all for us. Will we do the same for him? Let us choose to walk in the light and follow Jesus.

This week we celebrate Catholic Schools Week. Catholic Schools Week 2026 will be celebrated from January 25–31, 2026, with the national theme "Catholic Schools: United in Faith and Community," focusing on faith, community, students, nation, vocations, faculty, and families through special Masses, events, and activities nationwide, highlighting the value of Catholic education.

St. Angela Merici was born in Desanzano, Italy in 1474. When she was young, she lost both her parents and her beloved sister, Giana Maria. Angela found herself irresistibly drawn to join the Franciscan Third Order.

Her vision was to serve the needs of the rich and poor alike. Her love and sensitivity to human needs won her the title, “Madre Angela,” from the people of Brescia, Italy. She based her work on a deep understanding of God’s love for all, respect for the innate dignity of each person and their potential in the eyes of God. Her vision for community encompassed the practical support of each individual, recognition of the gifts of all and power of gathering as a loving community.

On November 25^th in 1535, Angela established the Company of St. Ursula, named for its patron saint, Saint Ursula, a martyr. She was the first woman in the history of the Church to draw up a Rule of life for women who wanted to lead a religious life outside the cloister.

Canonized in 1807 by Pope Pius VII, her feast day is January 27th. The attached video was made by one of our sisters in Indonesia. Enjoy learning a little bit about St. Angela. 

Baptism of the Lord

Today we commemorate the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan. We are invited to fulfill our baptismal promises and live our lives as those who have been transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit.

In today’s gospel, we see how Jesus was baptized by John in the Jordan River. This is a momentous event as Jesus hears the voice, “This is my beloved son; with whom I am well pleased.” What a wonderful sign of God’s abundant love. Everyone who was there must have been flabbergasted. This voice from the heavens must have astonished those present. It was a true sign of God’s abundant love for Jesus.

Baptism is a beautiful event. A special moment. He made the choice to go to John and embrace baptism. Jesus embraced baptism as he began his ministry. Baptism is a miracle that transforms and empowers one to be courageous.

All of us who have been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit must live as people full of the graces of God; although we have weaknesses and flaws, we must always act as we are moved by the Holy Spirit.

To live as people baptized in the Spirit of Jesus is to live sincerely as brothers and sisters of all, loving God and neighbor, being honest and merciful, and sowing peace and hope in this world full of selfishness, greed, disputes, and discord. We are called to reach out in peace to others and to be models of Jesus’ love and mercy. We are God’s beloved, and we are called to live out of that reality. Today let us take time to think about being God’s beloved. What does this mean for me? How am I called to share God’s love with all those I encounter?

 

Feast of the Epiphany

Today we celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany, the day when the Magi from the East visited the child Jesus. They were seeking the newborn King of the Jews. Following the star, they trusted that their journey would result in finding the child they sought. They were searching for the light that would lead them not just that day but always. Their journey brought them to a stable where they found the Christ child. They had encountered Herod and were told to let him know where the child was so he too could go and worship him. The angel tells them to go home a different way.

The word Epiphany means theophany -- a visible, tangible manifestation or revelation of God to humanity, the gift of God’s child is for everyone. Christ is not limited to any one culture, ethnicity, skin color, gender, or hemisphere. As John says in his gospel, Christ is God’s way of showing love to the world. And the Greek word in John 3:16 suggests an even greater scope: “God so loved the world that God gave his child.” Christ is God’s gift for all of creation.

This day is also known as “Three Kings Day” or Dia de los Reyes. It celebrated with cakes and festivities. I have fond memories of the creche set my mother painted for us. As a child I was always fascinated by the kings they were so regal. They had crowns painted with real gold and their camels were so fancy. It really was a tribute to their status in live. They came and showed that Christ came for all. May we always remember that the King we serve is Christ and no other. The Magi were told by an unjust ruler to tell him where they found the child but defied him and returned a different way.

As we celebrate this day let us remember a quote attributed to a 16th century doctor of the church St. Teresa of Ávila:

Let nothing disturb you, let nothing frighten you, all things are passing away: God never changes. Patience obtains all things. Whoever has God lacks nothing; God alone suffices.