From the Pastor’s Desk
Solemnity of the Epiphany of our Lord
[The Magi] were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage.
-Matthew 2:10-11a
January, 5, 2025
Brothers and Sisters,
Merry Christmas and a Blessed Epiphany to you all!
As we journey together like the Magi who sought the newborn King, I invite you to enter the doors of hope. Travel, as we know, is rarely easy. Many of you have traveled to be with family during this Christmas season, while others have welcomed family and friends into your homes. These moments of connection and love, though joyful, can also be exhausting. Amidst the demands of this season, I ask: how often do you pause to accept the invitation to truly rest?
On the other side of hope, we encounter Jesus Christ, the newborn King. He is the fulfillment of every longing, the answer to every prayer, and the source of restorative rest for our weary hearts. In seeking him, we discover that our journey is not in vain but leads to the One who brings peace, joy, and salvation.
The Lord extends this invitation to each of us: “Come to me, and I will give you rest.” This Jubilee Year of 2025 offers us a special opportunity to embrace this call. The Church symbolically throws open its doors to welcome the tired, the hungry, the sorrowful, and the weary traveler. When was the last time you accepted the Lord’s invitation to rest in him?
Here in our parish, we are blessed with a beautiful Adoration Chapel (https://olphparish.org/adoration-chapel/) dedicated to the Good Shepherd—a place of rest, reflection, and renewal that is open to you ( The Lord delights in the gifts we bring, but he does not ask us to delay while gathering gold, frankincense, or myrrh. Instead, he simply asks us to come as we are, bringing what we have. Sit with the Lord. Gaze upon him, the source of our salvation. Offer him your life. And if offering everything feels too much right now, simply offer this moment, your time, and your attention.
As you consider this invitation, I encourage you to reflect on this Sunday’s Gospel, Matthew 2:1-12, the story of the Magi. Pray with the Scripture in the Chapel, asking the Holy Spirit to reveal Jesus’ presence in your life. Pray with the Scripture in the Chapel, asking the Holy Spirit to reveal Jesus’ presence in your life.
You might find these questions helpful as you meditate:
- The Magi saw the star.
- How has God captured your attention and called you to seek him?
- The Magi encountered obstacles on their journey, including Herod’s ill intentions. What frustrations or challenges do you face in your journey of faith?
- Before offering their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, the Magi were filled with joy. What gifts has the Lord given you, and how has he brought joy to your life?
- The Magi adored the Child Jesus in His mother’s arms. How is the Lord inviting you to adore him today, in this moment, and in your life?
- Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, how is the Lord changing your path?
An authentic encounter with the Lord transforms us, though we may not always notice the changes right away. Often, it is only with time, or through the eyes of others, that we recognize how we have been renewed. Let us pray for one another, that we may discern the Lord’s will in our lives. Let us also pray especially for our youth and young adults, that they may respond courageously to God’s call to the priesthood, diaconate, religious life, marriage, or ministry.
In his letter Spes Non Confundit (Hope Does Not Disappoint), Pope Francis reminds us that hope leads us on a journey—a pilgrimage. This pilgrimage can take many forms: a traditional journey to Rome, a visit to neighboring countries to marvel at creation, or an exploration of uplifting art and culture. Archbishop Lori has similarly encouraged us to begin our pilgrimages close to home.
To assist with this, the Archdiocese has created Jubilee Passports to guide us in this spiritual journey (available at archbalt.org/jubilee-2025-pilgrims-of-hope). Among the recommended pilgrimage sites are local shrines where saints worshiped and served others. Some are nearby, such as the Shrine of Saint Anthony in Ellicott City, while others, like the Shrine of Saints Peter & Paul in Cumberland, may make for a meaningful day trip.
As we step through the doors of hope, may the Lord invigorate our hearts and renew our spirits. Let us discover the signs of hope in our lives, so that we, in turn, may become missionaries of hope for others.