Our Gifts of Epiphany

Yesterday was the Feast of the Epiphany, the day the kings arrived to present Jesus with Frankincense, Gold and Myrrh. Around here, it was one of those celebrations where everyone gets a present. Our family was blessed enough to get three.

1. An amazing homily

We went to our regular Mass because the kids were singing and it is great for the little ones to see the big ones up front, giving their gifts of song to God. I was grateful we were sitting up front to more closely witness a fantastic homily about how reverence has been lost a great deal in the church (people used to dress up, not talk, come on time and stay the whole time) and how we should make sure we don't lose that reverence the kings had for Jesus. 

No words were recorded as spoken by the Magi...it was that awe-inspiring an event. Each time we approach the altar we should be filled with that awe. Wonderful. (Tangent...I laughed today when I saw someone's Instagram talking about how happy she was with the reverence of the Mass she attended...so much that she took a picture during the Mass! Gah.) 

Good, challenging homilies can be a gift to everyone present. We all have room to grow in faith.

2. A rewarding routine

A little over a year ago, a lovely woman from our parish (mother of 5 grown children, I'm partial ;0)) began a Children's Rosary that meets each first Sunday of the month. During that 30 minutes, the families gather and the kids lead the rosary. It is a fantastic habit we've settled into and it is a huge blessing in our life. How grateful we are for this monthly opportunity!
   
 A Blessed Witness

We have developed a small group of religiously-grounded-like-minded friends. Our kids are of similar ages, they live nearby, and we are blessed to gather for different celebrations through the year.

Today, being Epiphany, we came together to play and share a meal and present the lovely story of the day, modeled on the play from Look to Him and be Radiant . Instead of wrapped boxes, the kids each placed one person or animal into the Nativity until the scene was complete. The perfect way to celebrate a day of giving in thanks for Our Savior.

Prior to the play, the hosts' Pastor arrived to bless the house then stayed for the production and fellowship after. I am hard pressed to think of a greater boost for vocations than having a member of the clergy or religious join you for "everyday life". The kids followed him through the house as he blessed it with holy water. It was a beautiful sight. 

Grateful for the blessings we received yesterday and always and for friends who help to guide us along the true path.

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Pray for Us!

If I should have to advise parents, I should tell them to take great care about the people with whom their children associate…Much harm may result from bad company, and we are inclined by nature to follow what is worse than what is better. – St. Elizabeth Ann Seton