Today is the Feast of the Epiphany and also my brother’s 54th birthday. I called him on my drive over to Mt. Irenaeus for this morning Mass to wish him a Happy Birthday. I had sent him a couple of cards but I decided this morning that I would risk waking him on my way to Mass. Light fog and rain seem to ad to the mystical quality of holy places. This morning as I made my way up Hydetown, Wetherby and finally on to Roberts Road I was thinking of attention and intention. That’s one way to sum up prayer. I’d been listening once again to Deepak Chopra’s, Seven Spiritual Laws of Success. I’ve really enjoyed listening to books as I drive along. I find its quite engaging and listening to a book has been a new experience or least one avenue that I haven’t used much since I learned to read many years ago.
I left my contributions to brunch in the House of Peace and then walked the trail to the chapel with Brother Joe. We enjoyed a leisurely walk to the chapel and on our way shared our excitement about the St. Bonaventure victory against Bucknell we’d both seen on Saturday. In the chapel I was greeted by Fr. Lou McCormick, who was today’s celebrant. Mass today was more intimate since there were only seven or eight of us there. I really liked the gospel and the theme of the visit of the Magi. The Magi are very mysterious and mystically fascinating visitors. The light rain and fog that enveloped Mt. Irenaeus this morning were an epiphany for me too as I listened to Fr. Lou’s homily that focused on Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. Toward the end of the reading is the following quote,
that the Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and co-partners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.
I thought of the significance of that statement in today’s world.
Religion is often exclusive but here was an invitation to inclusivity. Fr. Lou touched on this too. We’re invited to include all men and really all creation to the promise of Christ. Who are the gentiles in your life today that need to know this? Today’s gentiles are those outside our comfort zone, those who might be demonized. Today’s gentiles might be gay or straight, they might be anyone who makes me feel uncomfortable.