Jan. 6, 2021: Epiphany

As the Catholic Church marks the feast of the Epiphany today, we long for the light and manifestation of Our Lord's birth to shine through the hardness of hearts and darkness of our times. As I watched the protesters descend on our nation's capital and disrupt our congress, I was saddened to see that our great nation’s democratic principles and values were diminished. The actions today of misguided individuals brought to mind the words of Pope Francis in his new encyclical, Fratelli Tutti: 

“We should also recognize that destructive forms of fanaticism are at times found among religious believers, including Christians; they too “can be caught up in networks of verbal violence through the internet and the various forums of digital communication... limits can be overstepped, defamation and slander can become commonplace, and all ethical standards and respect for the good name of others can be abandoned”. 

How can we promote fraternity among our brothers and sisters instead of division? Pope Francis wrote: 

“Each of us can learn something from others. No one is useless and no one is expendable.”

“Everything, then, depends on our ability to see the need for a change of heart, attitudes and lifestyles. Otherwise, political propaganda, the media and the shapers of public opinion will continue to promote an individualistic and uncritical culture subservient to unregulated economic interests and societal institutions at the service of those who already enjoy too much power.”

As we look forward to celebrating the Baptism of the Lord this Sunday, we ask Our Lord to give us the discernment to reject the spirit of the world and live out our baptismal call to be instruments of Our Lord’s peace in this world. 

Fr. Yi