Dear Friends in Christ at Holy Spirit, St. Helen’s, and St. Mary’s,

 Happy New! 2025 has just begun and we are on our way to a new adventure that the grace of God has instore for us. It is also the year of Jubilee which opens new doors of possibility within our faith.

The Feast of Epiphany reminds us that we are all pilgrims. We are on a quest much like the Maji who searched for the New Born King. They were not entirely sure specifically who this new king would be or where he might be found. They did know they had a Star to guide them. They knew something special was happening in Israel near Jerusalem. It would be the Star that would guide them to Bethlehem and the child Jesus.

There is risk involved in any quest. There are unknowns. Will they be accepted as foreigners? Would the current King of Israel kick them out or take offense because of their search? Would they get lost or be misdirected?

Despite the risks, they pressed on. Their hearts motivated their actions. This was no mere quest on a hunch. Nor was it a whim. No, it was an honest search spawned by an event it the sky/heavens that caught their attention and inspired their journey through hostile territories to a peaceful town called Bethlehem.

The Maji are really reflections of us. They are symbols to us of the quest of being a Christian Disciple who is searching for Christ to connect with Him their lives. Our ups and downs, our confrontations with terrors, our facing unknowns about life are all found in the story of the Maji.

The Maji also remind that all people, from every faith, every background, every nationality are invited to join in this journey. The Word of God is excluded from no one. God welcomes all who are willing to embrace Him. In truth we are all God’s children and he sent his Son that New Born King, to save us all.

Similarly, they remind us that there are obstacles to be encountered on the journey. There are those who will reject the message. Some even have evil intent. However, within this human adventure there is a promise that humanity is never alone. God is with us. The Emanuel will offer protection, guidance, and grace.

As we began to journey into this New Year and enter this Holy Jubilee Year, let us walk with God growing ever nearer to His heart. May we let the Star of His grace guide us to the home he has prepared for us.

Fr. Tom