From Deacon Ron Reno:
We are closing in on the Third Sunday after the Epiphany with some upbeat warmer weather coming this weekend. God willing we are hopeful for mid 30’s. The windchill in Omaha on Tuesday was -28 degrees below O and it was brutal early.
Our liturgical period has been revealing the divinity of Jesus and lasts until the Presentation of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Temple on February 2nd. We have been enjoying our Epiphanytide collects (special prayers) this season and it gives us a chance to reflect on those collects. This Manifestation of Jesus to the Gentiles allows us Christians to know our faith, His presence has given to the Gentiles (Christians) our chance for Salvation. Please read Father Andrew’s homily and how we must
rise up to the challenge as Jesus did from His comfortable life in Nazareth, to be the savior of mankind and our chance to know God.
O GOD, who by the leading of a star didst manifest thy only-begotten Son to the Gentiles; Mercifully grant we, who know thee now by faith, may after this life have the fruition of thy glorious Godhead; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Collect for the first Sunday.
ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who dost govern all things in heaven and earth; Mercifully hear the supplications of thy people, and grant us thy peace all the days of our life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Collect for the second Sunday.
Continue to pray for the Californians and their children who have lost their homes, schools and businesses by these devastating wildfires.
Josh, his children and Nick’s Godchildren join us. Mom and Dad were there too. Our coffee hour has some very interesting conversations going on and the sound of children make it special.
“Arise and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel.” Joseph listened to the angel of the Lord in his dream while still in Egypt. Our homily goes on to speak of Joseph on how little we know of him. Take time to read this homily from Father Ponec written in 2016 and learn what we do know of him.
Christmastide. The twelve days of Christmas really starts on December 25; the secular world would object. The Church gave us the Twelve Days of Christmas to celebrate between Christmas and Epiphany to deepen our love of God and the real meaning of Christmas. The twelve days is much more serious than the “12 Days of Christmas” children’s song. Each day celebrates the birth of Christ, honors a saint or references to a feast to be honored. This is a wonderful time to deepen our sense of holiness and learn about Saint Stephen, the Apostle John, Thomas Becket and maybe we should study about Saint Basil the Great. Remember the season of Christmastide is an older tradition and must not be allowed to fade, in this more secular world.