Seek Him
January 5, 2025 at 10:32 a.m.
The solemnity of the Epiphany
I love the readings for this week. They remind me of when I started serving as a lector at my parish – two years ago, this was my first time proclaiming the Word for my family and friends (I remember having to look up the word “dromedaries” – which is a kind of camel, if you were wondering).
Today, we’re celebrating the solemnity of the Epiphany – when the three wise men sought Jesus after seeing His star rise so they could pay Him homage. For a lot of people, Christmas decorations stay up until after this day (with opinions varying greatly on whether this is a good thing). So, the festivities are over, the holidays are past, and a new year has begun. What now?
Well…things go back to normal. Ordinary time approaches! Reestablish routine, reassert comfort zones, reclaim personal space. Box up all the holiday sentiments alongside the decorations to be brought out next year. Of course, that’s not what I’m going to recommend, but it is certainly an option.
While I love the readings for this week, I don’t think I’ve looked at them in such depth since my first time serving as a lector. Isaiah does talk about a return to what was, prophesying the Israelites return to Jerusalem, but through the actions of God, it is still, somehow, new. And then there is the Gospel reading from Matthew, relating the visit of the magi.
This one struck me in particular as I thought about what to write for this post and it showed how God was acting in my life two years ago. When the wise men left and returned to their own countries, their lives probably returned pretty much to the way it was before their journey, but it was different. God had shown them a star, they chose to follow it, and upon their return, Jesus was forever a part of their lives – he became a part of their “Ordinary Time.” My example is similar: when I felt drawn to reading at Mass, I contacted my pastor, and serving as a lector has become part of my ordinary.
Perhaps what these readings offer is some insight on how to do Ordinary Time; how to ensure ordinary does not mean stagnant. I think the secret is in seeking. We prepared for the coming of Christ during Advent, and we celebrated His coming at Christmas. Now that He is here…what does that mean? I cannot answer that one for you, because it’s different for everyone. But I can tell you how to find your answer.
Seek Him.
Carve out some time to spend with God every day. Read a book that answers a theological question you might have, or one on the life of a saint you feel drawn to. Try attending a daily Mass. Spend time with the scripture readings for Sunday Mass before you go. GO TO SUNDAY MASS!! Try out this whole confession thing. Or just ask God to guide you – ask Him where HE wants you to be.
Christ is always in our lives, even between major holidays. But if we aren’t looking for Him and what He’s calling us to, we won’t see it. Imagine if seeking Him became a part of your ordinary. What would God show you? And how extraordinary would ordinary be? There’s one way to find out.
Seek Him.
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The solemnity of the Epiphany
I love the readings for this week. They remind me of when I started serving as a lector at my parish – two years ago, this was my first time proclaiming the Word for my family and friends (I remember having to look up the word “dromedaries” – which is a kind of camel, if you were wondering).
Today, we’re celebrating the solemnity of the Epiphany – when the three wise men sought Jesus after seeing His star rise so they could pay Him homage. For a lot of people, Christmas decorations stay up until after this day (with opinions varying greatly on whether this is a good thing). So, the festivities are over, the holidays are past, and a new year has begun. What now?
Well…things go back to normal. Ordinary time approaches! Reestablish routine, reassert comfort zones, reclaim personal space. Box up all the holiday sentiments alongside the decorations to be brought out next year. Of course, that’s not what I’m going to recommend, but it is certainly an option.
While I love the readings for this week, I don’t think I’ve looked at them in such depth since my first time serving as a lector. Isaiah does talk about a return to what was, prophesying the Israelites return to Jerusalem, but through the actions of God, it is still, somehow, new. And then there is the Gospel reading from Matthew, relating the visit of the magi.
This one struck me in particular as I thought about what to write for this post and it showed how God was acting in my life two years ago. When the wise men left and returned to their own countries, their lives probably returned pretty much to the way it was before their journey, but it was different. God had shown them a star, they chose to follow it, and upon their return, Jesus was forever a part of their lives – he became a part of their “Ordinary Time.” My example is similar: when I felt drawn to reading at Mass, I contacted my pastor, and serving as a lector has become part of my ordinary.
Perhaps what these readings offer is some insight on how to do Ordinary Time; how to ensure ordinary does not mean stagnant. I think the secret is in seeking. We prepared for the coming of Christ during Advent, and we celebrated His coming at Christmas. Now that He is here…what does that mean? I cannot answer that one for you, because it’s different for everyone. But I can tell you how to find your answer.
Seek Him.
Carve out some time to spend with God every day. Read a book that answers a theological question you might have, or one on the life of a saint you feel drawn to. Try attending a daily Mass. Spend time with the scripture readings for Sunday Mass before you go. GO TO SUNDAY MASS!! Try out this whole confession thing. Or just ask God to guide you – ask Him where HE wants you to be.
Christ is always in our lives, even between major holidays. But if we aren’t looking for Him and what He’s calling us to, we won’t see it. Imagine if seeking Him became a part of your ordinary. What would God show you? And how extraordinary would ordinary be? There’s one way to find out.
Seek Him.