The Epiphany of the Lord

January 4, 2026

GOSPEL MEDITATION

When I was 22, I went on a pilgrimage to Rome for the Jubilee Year of 2000. I was traveling light with just a backpack, one blue shirt and black pants, little money, and no Italian. I had a few close friends and one goal: to reach the Eternal City. Despite the challenges and deprivations, I felt alive in a way I had never known before. When do you feel most alive? I’d wager it’s not when you’re most comfortable or surrounded by stuff. Rather, it’s when your life is aimed at something great; when you’re on a meaningful and challenging journey with good friends.

That’s the image the Magi give us in today’s Gospel. They set out from the East not with certainty, but with hope. They study the signs, discipline their attention, and journey together, offering the best they have when they find the newborn King.

The Church gives us their story at the start of the year to reawaken something in us. We are not meant to drift. We’re meant to journey as pilgrims. The Jubilee Year of 2025 may have ended, but our pilgrimage has not. Like the magi, the closer we get to Christ, the more alive we become.
- Father John Muir

PRO-LIFE CORNER

“I do not hesitate to proclaim before you and before the world that all human life-from the moment of conception and throughout all subsequent stages- is sacred, because human life is created in the image and likeness of God…and when God gives life, it is forever.”

SACRED HEART FOOD PANTRY

The food pantry will resume on Wednesday, January 7, 2026. Our volunteers wish everyone a healthy and peaceful New Year!

A FAMILY PERSPECTIVE

Today’s gospel tells us “all Jerusalem” was upset because “King Herod was deeply troubled.” A similar ripple effect happens in families; one person’s negative attitude can affect the whole family. If you want a peaceful and joyful home, it must start with you. Be peaceful and joyful!
- Bud Ozar

EVERYDAY STEWARDSHIP

As our celebration of Christmas continues, this week we observe the great feast of The Epiphany of the Lord. The word ‘epiphany’ comes from Greek and means manifestation of appearance. The stewardship way of life is one in which we live in grateful response to God’s countless manifestations in our lives.

As Christian stewards, we are all called to manifest God’s love to each other in the sharing of our gifts. St. Paul describes this beautifully in our second reading in his letter to the Ephesians, saying, “You have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for your benefit…” We have all been given unique and wonderful gifts from our good and generous God. He wants us to share these gifts to benefit others and so to give Him glory.

Let us rejoice in God’s manifestations in our lives and be watchful for the new ways He is calling us to share ourselves and our gifts in gratitude to our King in the year ahead.

Prayer Requests

Alan and Kathy Ansman, Mark Blackie, Rod Baronner, Dan Bauer, Dave Bauer, Jack Chilcote, Harry Chirdon, Karen Claar, Brandon Conaway, Shirley Conlon, Denise Conrad, James Conrad, Kathy Corl, William Costlow, Joe DeGennaro Jr., Colette DiMemmo, Margaret Dodson, Tim Dodson, Joan Donnelly, Matthew Dorman, Nate Dorman, Amelia Doughurty, Lois Duncan, Thomas Duncan, Paul Dunmire, Ashley Eagen, Corinda Ermin, Roberta Farabaugh, Herman Frederick, Pat Harpster, Leighton Hess, Lucy Horton, Raymond Kargo, Carol Keagy, Russell Keith, John Kleine, Ruth Lamca, Cyndi Lansberry, Beth Lloyd, Joan Maier, Charles McGrain, Shirley McIntyre, Mason Wayne McManus, Paul Angelo Morelli, Bev Mueller, Bonnie Neal, Jessica Neff, Lee Neff, Kevin O'Rourke, Lucille Parker, Sarah Rihnovich, Elizabeth Siglow, Laura Snyder, Alex Walter, Margo Wascherl, Joan Weston, Renee Williams, Mikayla Yanchik, Pat Zeak.

If you would like to add a sick or hospitalized person to our prayer list or readd a person, please call the rectory office, at 943-8553. Parishioners of Saint Mary are encouraged and welcome to participate. Remember, you must have the permission of the ill person/family to publish their name.

Sacred Heart Church