Papal Preacher

...strikes again!

Fr.Cantalamessa on the notion of Epiphania as signifying more than the manifestation at the manger [courtesy Zenit]:

"We celebrate three wondrous events on this holy day: Today the star leads the Magi to the stable, today the water is changed into wine at the wedding feast at Cana, today Christ is baptized by John in the Jordan for our salvation." With these words the liturgy describes today's feast; it consists in the triple revelation of Christ: to the magi, at the wedding feast at Cana, and in Jesus' baptism in the Jordan. Since ancient times, that which has brought about the unification of these three events in a single feast is their common theme of manifestation (in Greek "epiphania"). In these events Jesus progressively reveals what he is in reality, the Messiah and savior. Christ reveals himself to all peoples and to each category of persons with signs appropriate and comprehensible to them. To simple shepherds he sends an angel; to the wise who scrutinize the courses of the heavenly bodies he sends a star; to the Jews attached to signs, he gives a sign, that is, a miracle: He changes water into wine. With what signs does Christ manifest himself to the men of our time?
[Code: ZE07010629
Date: 2007-01-06
Father Cantalamessa on the Epiphany of the Lord
"We Celebrate Three Wondrous Events on This Holy Day"]

He poses an excellent question. Every year growing up, my family's ritual Blessing of the House on the Epiphany served as an opportunity to evaluate together our journey towards Christ; when we sprinkled holy water on our door, we reminded ourselves that in every welcome guest we welcome Christ. Do we look for sings of His presence in our homes, our families, in every corner of our heart? Do we truly make ourselves Little Bethlehems, little "houses of Bread"?

This Lord's Day, let us find in the Eucharist the most expensive, most priceless, most adorable Christmas gift we have ever received! Let us admit His presence under our roof knowing that He came to dwell among us as Word made Flesh, that those who eat of this Flesh may have Eternal Life~