The Epiphany of the Lord
From the Pastor’s Desk
January 8, 2023
Behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying,
“Where is the newborn king of the Jews?
Matthew 2:1b-2a
Merry Christmas & Happy Epiphany!
Today we celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany when the Church remembers the three Magi, or wise men, who were guided by a spectacular star from the Far East to Bethlehem, where they found Mary and Jesus, stopping to offer their newborn King homage and gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
What better day to reflect upon our travels toward Christ? Were you guided by signs in nature, like the Maji? Perhaps you took in a breathtaking vista like the mountains in Western Maryland or the Bay Bridge straddling the Chesapeake Bay and were inspired to connect with Jesus. Or studying creation in Science class made you want to find and know your loving Creator. Still, it could have been after catching glimpses of folks at OLPH in prayer, sitting in Adoration, or praising Christ in the Eucharist at one of our monthly Festival of Praises that inspired you to deepen your relationship with God. Regardless of how you’ve traveled to this place of worship, it is inspiring to witness so many of you offering your gifts, prayers and petitions, service, discipleship, use of God-given talents, or almsgiving in praise to our King.
We are meant to join the offering of ourselves to Jesus’ offering in the Mass, where He breaks open his body for our sake, and we, in turn, offer our most valuable gift in praise to God. Let’s keep forming and growing in the faith while encouraging one another to stay on the right path so that the gifts we lay in homage to our Lord are our most precious.
As we welcome 2023, we are committed to extending times for prayer in the church and the Good Shepherd Adoration Chapel, so you can enter into the Lord’s presence and be strengthened. We have also emphasized opportunities to receive God’s forgiveness and mercy in the Sacrament of Reconciliation on Wednesdays, from 11 am to 12 noon and 6 pm to 7 pm, and on Fridays from 4 pm to 6 pm. These regularly scheduled times will occur at our confessionals inside the church. Please call the parish office to make special arrangements to receive the Sacrament outdoors or at a different time than those offered.
In January, we and our entire Diocese celebrate the right to life. In support of the call to defend all life, we have designed opportunities for individuals and families to get involved. We are again partnering with St. Louis parish in Clarksville in joint participation and transportation to the National March for Life held on Friday, January 20, 2023. Please also explore Life Fest, which includes pre-March speakers, by visiting lifefest2023.com. From January 11 through the 19th, our OLPH Knights are hosting a Respect for Life Novena in the Good Shepherd Room and by simulcast. And for parents, begin the conversation of honoring life at every stage on Friday, January 13, 6:30-8:30 pm in the Parish Center Gym at Family Movie Night, where the kid-friendly film Horton Hears a Who will be shown.
For more details on these Respect Life events at OLPH, including how to secure your spot on the bus to the March for Life, visit olphparish.org/respect-for-life.
Lastly, the Maryland March for Life in Annapolis will be held on Monday evening, February 27, 2023. For more info and registration, visit mdmarchforlife.com.
Jesus came to dwell among us so that we might recognize our infinite worth in the eyes of God. This month and all year, let’s defend the dignity of life in how we interact with one another and in our service to care for those hurting or in need!