Dear Parish Family,
As we come together to celebrate the Feast of Epiphany, we reflect on the profound meaning and significance of this special day in our Christian journey. Epiphany, which means “manifestation,” marks the revelation of Christ to the Gentiles, embodied by the visit of the Magi—wise men who traveled great distances to pay homage to the newborn King. Their journey exemplifies the universal call of Christ, inviting all of us to encounter God’s presence in our lives.
In our parish, we have recently experienced our own epiphanies. The warmth and joy evident during our Christmas Masses, with a remarkable number of attendees, remind us of the longing for God and community that resides within each heart. In a world that often feels secular and distant from the sacred, this outpouring of faith is a powerful message: God is inviting us to continue breathing life into the church. People are searching for belonging, meaning, and connection with the divine. Let us not underestimate the importance of our role in fostering this loving community.
As we celebrate the gifts presented by the wise men—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—we are reminded of their profound symbolism. Gold represents Christ’s kingship, acknowledging Him as the sovereign ruler of our lives. Frankincense signifies His divinity, a fragrance offered to God in worship, recognizing Jesus as the Son of God. Myrrh, traditionally associated with burial and mourning, foreshadows the suffering and sacrifice that would ultimately fulfill God’s plan for salvation.
This Epiphany, I invite each of you to reflect on your own moments of revelation—those times when you have felt God’s presence most strongly in your life. How can these experiences inspire us to deepen our faith and strengthen our commitment to our parish community?
Together, let us embrace the calling to be bearers of light amid the challenges of our world. May we continue to seek God and share His love with all, creating a vibrant and welcoming parish for generations to come.
Wishing you a blessed Epiphany,
Fr. Rodel “Odey” Balagtas
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The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
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Fr. Rodel “Odey” Balagtas is the pastor of Incarnation Church in Glendale, California.