Epiphany

Tomorrow is the Feast of Epiphany. It is a great Feast wherein we recall the manifestation of Christ's divinity.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church says this about Epiphany:

"The Epiphany is the manifestation of Jesus as Messiah of Israel, Son of God and Savior of the world. The great feast of Epiphany celebrates the adoration of Jesus by the wise men from the East, together with his baptism in the Jordan and the wedding feast at Cana in Galilee. In the magi, representatives of the neighboring pagan religions, the Gospel sees the first-fruits of the nations, who welcome the good news of salvation through the Incarnation. The magi's coming to Jerusalem in order to pay homage to the king of the Jews shows that they seek in Israel, in the messianic light of the star of David, the one who will be king of the nations. Their coming means that pagans can discover Jesus and worship him as Son of God and Savior of the world only by turning towards the Jews and receiving from them the messianic promise as contained in the Old Testament. The Epiphany shows that "the full number of the nations" now takes its "place in the family of the patriarchs", and acquires Israelitica dignitas (is made "worthy of the heritage of Israel")" (CCC #528).

The Church's liturgy is a marvelous gift to us and the treasures within it are impenetrable. The more we delve into the liturgy and the liturgical cycles of the calendar the more we become one with the life, mission and faith of the Church; we become one with Christ, and one with each other. If you sometimes wonder how to become more engaged in the Mass and the worship of the Church, immerse yourself in the Church's liturgy - for every Roman Catholic throughout the world, it is the same prayer at the same time! It truly is the people of God raising their minds and hearts to God in prayer!

I had the privilege of attending First Vespers at St. Peter's followed by Mass. Both were at the Altar of the Chair. It wasn't First Vespers quite like on the Feast of Mary the Mother of God (the Holy Father was not present), but nonetheless it was very prayerful and beautiful. It was sung in Latin using Gregorian Chant. There were several bishops and one Cardinal present in choir. The photo ops were poor and I did not recognize any of the prelates, but here's what I have from Vespers:

The Chair beneath the Holy Spirit window:



Incensing the Altar:



What they handed out to the congregation: