The Epiphany - Feast Four of Christmas!

(preaching at 4pm and 11am Masses)
The Epiphany (the word means manifestation) is the fourth feast in this beautiful season of the Incarnation of our God. Humanity itself is now the vehicle by which God is revealed explicitly. Humanity was created in the "image and likeness" of God but it was not until this final age, the fullness of time that God is manifest (revealed) by man as man. Humanity is now entrusted with a higher calling. This human life of ours is the manifestation (or ought to be) of the eternal life which is God. As Paul says to the Ephesians, each human life is now a "stewardship of God’s grace." Wow!
Too few understand that their humanity is revelation of God's life. And all of us fail at times to perceive and thus receive the human life of others as it is - revelation of God. Look how God is entrusted today to the pagan Magi. Look even how the "old devil" Herod is given some role to play in the Magi arriving at the birth place. All human flesh radiates the presence and power of God. Epiphany.
Are there aspects of your human life that challenge this teaching? Are there human beings who hide the fact that they are stewards of God's grace? I guess that's all part of what makes life in Christ so engaging.
Why not tap on "comment" below and leave me an anonymous reaction. Or email me at (frete@saint-albert.org). Love to receive some manifestation of God's grace through you - afterall, you are its steward.

Check back here (Estok Homily Library - on right) for audio versions of these actual homilies.

Mary, Mother of God - Feast Three of Christmas

(preaching at 4pm Vigil and 12:30pm on the day) Happy New Year!
Mary, is celebrated as Mother of God, which was a major accomplishment in the history of our developing church theology. She was always acknowledged as mother of Jesus - but not so as Mother of God. She is also then celebrated today as Mother of the Church (we are the Body of Christ). And on the first day of a new calendar year it is good that we celebrate Mary as the first and perfect disciple. As follower of Jesus, she believed. As obedient believer she conceived. As companion to all the faithful she leads us to heaven. Do you know her? Shouldn't you?

The Holy Family - Feast Two of Christmas

Well, after the whole week of preparing for and celebrating Christmas, the preparation for the December 26/27 Feast of the Holy Family was short. I am uploading the homily to the archive (see Estok Library on right). I was mostly interested in seeing our families become more "churchy" (meaning praying, teaching, and serving like Christ) and our Church becoming for family-ish (meaning communion of life and love, brothers and sisters in the Lord).

See what you think?