Make Known the Presence
Dear Friends on a Journey,
This weekend we celebrate the Epiphany of the Lord. The word epiphany is a Greek word that means "to manifest," or “to make known.” Thus, this weekend we celebrate the way Jesus made himself known to the world through the visit of the Magi. We are called to be like the Magi, to make known the presence of Jesus Christ, the Great Light, in our world.
I love Pope Francis’s homily from 2019 on the Feast of the Epiphany. He beautifully describes the way we are called to follow the example of the Magi:
Today we are asked to imitate the Magi. They do not debate; they set out. They do not stop to look, but enter the house of Jesus. They do not put themselves at the centre, but bow down before the One who is the centre. They do not remain glued to their plans, but are prepared to take other routes. Their actions reveal a close contact with the Lord, a radical openness to him, a total engagement with him.
It is such a privilege to work here at the Co-Cathedral because I get to witness, firsthand, the many ways people are making Christ known in our parish and larger community. I would like to share some of those experiences with you from just the past month.
When I think of the Magi setting out, I think of volunteers who so generously and quickly say “yes!” This past month when I sent out a sign up for people to bring homemade goodies to offer at the weekly Sunday lunch for the homeless, within no time 18 individuals/families had filled the spots. The same happened when Mary Vlazny put out a request for parishioners to sign up to help with Adopt a Family. Her initial list filled so quickly that she continued to add spots and we had at least 25 individuals/families participate.
I’ve witnessed how willing our Confirmation and Faith Formation catechists are to take other routes by trying new things to reach the hearts of our young people. Mid-December our students in grades 5-10 gathered in the Church for Adoration and praise and worship music. This was a new experience for a lot of our young people that was very well received thanks to the amazing volunteers (actually witnesses) who helped to make the presence of Jesus in the Eucharist known to their students.
Christmas traditions and plans (which are of course beautiful and important!) can make it very difficult to get the volunteers needed for our Christmas liturgies. I’m so grateful for the 75+ volunteers who didn't remain glued to their plans, but were ready to take other routes, to step forward, to commit, and to serve whenever needed in various liturgical, hospitality and music ministries. They helped to make Christ manifest to all who filled the Church.
The list goes on of the various ways parishioners have been involved this past month: 8 volunteers who led Children’s Liturgy of the Word on Sunday mornings, the group of 13 who volunteered at Channel One last month, the 50+ people who participated in our Advent Movie night, the 20+ who attended the weekly Advent Art Series led by one of our own parishioners, and the cookie decorating gathering facilitated by several of our parents who shared their gift for baking with others.
I learned early on in ministry that it is not about numbers, but it is about an encounter, a total engagement with Jesus Christ, which I now know from experience is true. I’ve also learned that one of the ways we encounter Christ is through the presence of another which is why I wanted to share and celebrate the many ways our parish is growing in involvement and therefore community and I want to invite you to participate!
For as long as I can remember, my mother has always said that the Church is a life and Christ is at the centre. Church is not another thing on our checklist, another event to take up our time; it’s not just for an hour on Sunday but it is a life which nourishes us, provides our community, supports us as a family, and becomes our close contact with the Lord.
I pray that Christ has been made known to you during this beautiful Christmas season and I invite you to consider how you are being called to live the life of the Church. We need you; your participation will help the Great Light of Christ shine here within our own church walls, throughout our broader community and to be made known to the entire world which longs for the peace and joy of Jesus Christ.
Christmas Blessings,
Megan Rodriguez, Formation Director