Dear Friend of Carmel Mission,
This week we celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany, the visit of the Magi to the newborn Christ Child. It is a beloved story of the Christmas season and it foreshadows the Paschal Mystery in the Magi’s gifts of myrrh, used to prepare the dead for burial, frankincense, used to incense sacrificial offerings, and gold, the traditional gift to a king. What do we really know of these Magi? Contrary to the oft-sung carol, the scripture does not mention their number. They are described as coming from the east but their country of origin is not specified. What is known of them is that they sought wisdom and truth. Christ revealed Himself to them in His manger crib in Bethlehem, and they immediately recognized Him and worshipped Him.
If you are interested in hearing a well-known literary interpretation of this story, I invite you to join me online on Wednesday, January 6 via our website or YouTube Channel for T.S. Eliot’s poem, the Journey of the Magi. In the poem we hear from the perspective of one of the Magi, speaking in retrospect. He recounts the remarkable journey, and the journey of the soul that was required after, when he returned to his own country, forever changed by the experience. It is a timely reminder that we are encouraged to pursue our own revelations with as much determination and open-minded curiosity as the Magi.
Prayerful time in the presence of our loving God is a wonderful experience, especially as we strive to embrace God’s wind of change in our hearts and in our lives. I invite you to join us this Friday, January 8 at 4pm in the Central Courtyard for Vocational Rosary and Eucharistic Adoration to spend time with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. I wish you and your loved ones continued Christmas blessings of good health, great hope and the revealing light of Christ,
Fr. Paul
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