Happy Epiphany

Well, Christmas ended yesterday (twelve days of Christmas being Dec. 25-Jan.5) and today we celebrate Epiphany, or the Three King's Day. I bought King's cake for the family and whoever finds the baby Jesus will lead our Rosary tonight. Not really a "gift" but the kids don't know any better! ;-) Many a war has begun over who gets to lead the first decade. Poor Mary! Its as if we insist on stomping on those roses before handing them over. Still, better squished roses than none.

As for Epiphany, I imagine the three kings had a tough journey while looking for the baby Jesus. Who knows whether they got along. I imagine at times they were tired and grumpy and might have preferred to give up and go back home. Nevertheless, they persisted and found what they were looking for, the Saviour.

This year I pray my family will continue along the journey God has mapped for us. I'm starting to understand that the journey is worthwhile whether it feels easy or hard. For example, our Rosary is worth praying, whether all the children get along. Most of the times they do, but I'm no longer surprised when we hit obstacles. We just have to persevere, just like the wise men. The same with our studies, prayer commitments and mass attendance. God will truly be pleased with the gift of ourselves. Showing up and being present to God, even if not in the most perfect way, is a way of showing God how much we love him.

This year I can promise God there will be many trampled roses in the form of a rosary. Many of the gifts we bring to the alter will be dented and partially unwrapped. But I'm sure God will see our gifts for what they are, a feeble attempt at perfect love.

And I pray that God will continue to give us the strength to continue the "good fight" and to seek Him out, just as the Three Wise Men.

Happy New Years friends!!

Lillian
† JMJ †