Solemnity of the Epiphany of our Lord

First reading: Isaiah 60:1-6
Psalm: Ps 72:1-2,7-8,10-13
Epistle: 2 Ephesians 3:2-3,5-6
Gospel: Matthew 2:1-12

“Where is the newborn king of the Jews?”

Gifts:

On this Solemnity of the Epiphany we tend to focus on the magi arriving and bringing gifts. We might speak of the gifts and what each means. We might focus on the gifts that we would bring to Jesus, most importantly the gift of our faith. We might focus on the gifts that we give each other, our kindness and love. It is a day of gifts, of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Best of all, this day gives us an opportunity to focus on the gift God has given us in the incarnation of His son, Jesus. Jesus, our newborn King.

Matthew’s point:

The magi only appear in St. Matthew’s gospel. St. Luke tells us about the Shepherds, but Matthew focuses on these visitors. Matthew has a strong point he is trying to convey.

Matthew starts his gospel with a long genealogy. It shows us that Jesus family is a royal family, Jesus is in the lineage of kings and other great leaders, both men and women.

Throughout his gospel, Matthew references Jesus’ proclamation of the kingdom of heaven. Matthew is the one who tells of the magi who came to worship and present gifts to the newborn king. Matthew tells of the triumphant entry of the King and Messiah into Jerusalem. He tells us of the sign that hung over Jesus on the cross — this is the king.

The king is here:

Starting Matthew’s gospel, you might think Elvis has arrived. The King is in the building. Yes, the King has arrived, the King of heaven and earth. He is the one who St. John will tell us was King before the beginning of time.

Cool:

It had to be so cool. You’d think people would have been very excited. The King has come. He didn’t just show up, but came with the whole show: angels, magi, gold, frankincense, myrrh, a huge star in the sky. Las Vegas or Broadway couldn’t do a better job. Hollywood might work on a movie to make us think we are seeing what these folks saw, but that’s just smoke and mirrors. This was the real deal — the real King.

They didn’t get it:

Seems that very few caught on. The shepherds, simple people, as we previously noted, expectant people, they saw and understood. The magi got it. Even evil Herod kind of understood, he tried to kill the newborn King. Most people didn’t get it though. Not the innkeepers, the royal advisors, not all the folks who stayed home and didn’t go to meet Him. The King arrived to a less than enthusiastic world.

Gets worse:

It gets worse of course. As Jesus goes about revealing the kingdom of heaven, and who He is, people still don’t get it. What Jesus is — not what they want. He wasn’t their king. Their king was more like David the warrior. Their king was going to slaughter their enemies, and lead the bloody revolution, restore an earthly and powerful kingdom suited to men.

The real deal:

Today, on the Epiphany, a term which means revelation, we and the world meet the King. Jesus is the King — who fulfilled all the prophecies. Those who didn’t recognize Him were simply looking for the wrong thing We take the example of the magi who came to witness to Jesus’ kingship, the real thing. They recognized Him as King immediately. The people who heard His message, and continue to witness to Him today, we and they recognize Him as King.

Jesus is not a king who came to bring men to power. Jesus is the King who came to bring power to all humanity. Jesus is not a king to rule a kingdom of boundaries, armies, and place. He is the King who rules in the hearts of all who believe in Him, who follow His lead, abide in His word, and love the gift God as given us, our newborn King. Amen.

Solemnity of the Holy Name of Jesus

First Reading: Sirach 51:8-12
Psalm: Ps. 113:1-6
Epistle: 1 Corinthians 1:1-3
Gospel: Matthew 1:18-25

I will praise thy name continually,
and will sing praise with thanksgiving.

Given a name:

Today we celebrate the name we were given. Our parish, “Holy Name of Jesus.”

Have you ever considered the name you were given, and why you ended up with that name?

Perhaps your mom or dad told you the story of your name. You were named after… We always liked… Your name means…

Today, let’s consider our name, what it means to be named after Jesus and His holiness.

Name and being are one:

In biblical times names had particular importance. The name one was given might reflect something that was happening at the time of their birth. It might reflect a prophecy or a hope. The most important name was the name of another person given to the child. When a person gave their name to another it meant that they were joined in very close unity. Furthermore, the closest possible relationship exists between a person and their name. Particularly in biblical times, and in many cultures today, if someone’s name were removed, they pass out of existence, out of relationship with their community. Name and existence are one, and signify being.

Baptism:

When someone is baptized they are given Jesus’ name. They bear His mark, the sign of the cross. His name is their name, and the baptized person and Jesus are one.

God’s name:

If a person were ever to forget God’s name, they would depart from Him. God’s name is particularly important because knowing His name, being baptized into Him, makes us His people.

Holy Name:

God’s name is holy. God’s revelation in the old testament is made complete and explicit in the coming of Jesus. Knowing Jesus and knowing His name means that we also know and acknowledge His holiness. Jesus is the full revelation of God’s holiness.

In Jesus we see the true nature of God’s holiness. His holiness is exactly this: That God is pure and loving, that He is righteous, that there is nothing evil in Him.

Because of this pure, loving, and righteous holiness, God gave Himself for our redemption. Jesus came to us to save us, and to reveal the fullness of God’s holiness to us. That holiness longs and desires to make itself known to us personally and to all, universally.

Let’s consider:

So let us consider the name we were given. Let us think about the name we were given, Holy Name of Jesus Parish.

Our name is not only important, but it is the most important of names, because we are given, granted the name of Jesus. This means that we are joined with Jesus. We are at one with Him in His work, in His mission, and His ministry.

Our name and our being are not only important, but create oneness, unity with Jesus. Our name represents a community with Jesus at the center, and all of us joined with Him. Apart from Him we do not exist. Our name and our mission are one.

Our community is a baptismal community. Baptism is the gate through which we all enter, where we are made one with Jesus. He gave us His name – not just as a building or a parish, but as individuals and a community.

Each of us and our community are joined to the holiness of God. God’s holiness is in all times and places. It is in every institution associated with His worship — and in particular with this place of worship because we bear His name. It is our high and distinct honor to be called by Jesus’ name.

Our mission:

Our mission is to reveal God, to share Jesus’ holy name with all. We are to bring people to baptism into Jesus, so that Jesus’ name will be their name. We are to bring people to the holiness of God by revealing His holiness – His pure, loving, and righteous holiness. In their joining with us, under His name, they will receive all the promises of Christ. They will know God, they will have abundant life, and they will have everlasting life.

Jesus’ Holy Name — His name and His holiness are given to us. We, by taking His name, have entered into a personal and communal relationship with God. We exist because we abide in His holy name. We are blessed by His name, and we have our work and mission before us. Honoring His holy name, we shall be victorious.

Blessed be the name of the Lord forever!

Amen.

Bible Study for the Second Week of Christmas
  • 1/1 – Acts 10:36 – Lord, we thank you for bringing us Your good news and peace. May we abide in Your word and in doing so find peace.
  • 1/2 – Isaiah 53:4-5 – Lord Jesus, You carried our sins for us, and in Your offering of Yourself brought us peace. May we ever acknowledge what You have done and live in the knowledge that we are free because of You.
  • 1/3 – Colossians 1:19-20 – Jesus, in You we find the revelation of the Father. Your dwelling among us, and Your abiding with us, are the everlasting gift of peace.
  • 1/4 – Romans 5:1 – Holy Spirit, we thank and praise You for calling us to be regenerated into life with Jesus. In our new life we have the promise of peace which surpasses all human peace.
  • 1/5 – John 14:27 – Lord Jesus, thank You for Your gift of heavenly peace. Continue to strengthen and reassure us so we fear no trouble of human making.
  • 1/6 – John 16:33 – Lord, You overcame this world and left us true life in Your Holy Spirit. The fears of the world are dissolved. Thank you for overcoming the world and freeing us.
  • 1/7 – Colossians 3:15 – Father, You have called us together into the body of Your Holy Church. Continue to grant unity and peace in Your Holy Church that it may draw all unto Your peace.

Pray the week: Lord Jesus, by Your coming, grant us peace!

For the Solemnity of the Holy Name of Jesus – our Parish Feast

Truly, truly, I say to you, if you ask anything of the Father, he will give it to you in my name. (John 16:23)

Our Patronal Feast is the occasion on which we annually celebrate and honor the Holy Name of Jesus as our protector and special benefactor. As you well know, and see among our faithful, every time we pronounce the Name of Jesus we bow our heads. This is significant, because the honor we give to Jesus’ Holy Name, and our prayer on behalf of each other and the parish before the Lord, is not in vain. Already, wonderful things are happening. We have much to be grateful for, and much that we must yet pray for.

So, let us gather on Monday, January 2nd at 7pm for Holy Mass on the occasion of the Solemnity of the Holy Name of Jesus. Let us offer prayer and supplication, and give great thanks by praising Jesus’ Holy Names:

Son of God, Jesus, Yeho-shua, Yeshua, Yahweh saves, Yahweh is my help, Ἰησοῦς, ΙΗCΟΥC, IESVS, Christ, Χριστός, Christus, King, Prophet, High Priest, Messiah, Anointed One, Lord, Son of man, King of the Jews, King of Israel, Rabboni, Master, Rabbi, Emmanuel. Divine, Redeemer, Liberator, Savior of the World, Teacher, The new Adam, Logos, The Word, Head of the Church, Star from Jacob, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, Man of Suffering, Son of Mary, Nazorean, Word of God, Lamb of God, Messiah, Anointed One, Bread of Life, Gate of the Sheep, Good Shepherd, Holy and Just One, Apostle and High Priest, Alpha and Omega, Lion of the Tribe of Judah, Root of David, Lamb Slain, Lord of Lords, King of Kings.

Reflection for the Solemnity of the Circumcision

You want me to do what? Couldn’t we just shake hands?

God is talking with Abraham, making a covenant with him and his descendants. God says:

Every male among you shall be circumcised. You shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskins, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and you.

A covenant is a contract. In ancient times people would sacrifice an animal as a sign of the pact they made. They would divide the animal in two, and each would walk between the two halves, sealing the deal. God had already done that with Abraham, but Abraham did not walk through the sacrificed animals, only God did in the form of a smoking fire pot and a burning torch. God promised, by Himself, to keep the deal He made with His people.

Now God is asking Abraham to make an outward sign of this deal in his flesh, and the flesh of his descendants.

It would be great if it were that simple with God. Maybe as Christians, as people of the new covenant, we should place a fish bumper sticker on our cars, or wear a gold chain with a cross. Would people know then that we are Jesus’ people, people of the covenant?

That’s unlikely. How many times do we see people carrying the outward signs of Christianity, only to disappoint by their actions? It was the same with Abraham and his descendants who carried the sign of the covenant in their flesh, but neglected to carry the sign of the covenant in their hearts.

To be truly circumcised means to carry the gospel in the way we live, talk, act, feel, treat others, pray, worship, and … well in everything we do. Yes, the outward signs of our Christianity ARE important. That is our proclamation. Our proclamation must be coupled with our witness, with hearts that live what the outward signs represent.

Bible Study for the First Week of Christmas
  • 12/25 – Isaiah 9:2,6-7 Reflect and pray: Lord Jesus, in Your coming you dispelled all darkness and gave us the light of Your gospel. Grant that Your light illumine our hope and govern all we say and do.
  • 12/26 – Romans 15:12-13 Reflect and pray: Holy Spirit, as Your adopted sons and daughters we pray that You bless us with constant hope, joy, and peace in believing. Grant that by Your gifts our lives may reflect and give testimony to the reason for our hope.
  • 12/27 – 1 Peter 1:3 Reflect and pray: Lord Jesus, by Your coming you once again renew our hope. Grant that this hope be refreshed in us each day.
  • 12/28 – Colossians 1:26-27 Reflect and pray: Lord Jesus, because of You we have hope to attain riches and glory without measure for all eternity. Grant that our eyes be fixed on true riches and glory. Save us from the distractions of vanity and the allure of greed for the things of the world.
  • 12/29 – Ephesians 1:18-20 Reflect and pray: Father, strengthen our hope and make us steadfast. You have given us power without measure, and a share in the Kingdom as Your adopted sons and daughters. Grant that we never loose sight of the power of faith rooted in the truth of the gospel.
  • 12/30 – Hebrews 10:23 Reflect and pray: Child Jesus, grant that we hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering. May we faithfully serve, worship, and adore You in Your Holy Church. Grant that through our parish communities we may love and serve our neighbors.
  • 12/31 – Psalm 71:14 Reflect and pray: Lord Jesus, You have given us hope without measure and the graces necessary to remain in that hope. Grant that we may be found rejoicing before all people because of Your gift.

Pray the week: Lord Jesus, You came to give us hope. Strengthen my hope.

Reflection for the Nativity

God is Born

He has come to give the promise of 
His mercy full and gracious. For the Word was made Incarnate,
 And in truth, has dwelt amongst us!

The miracle we have awaited has come. And now, every time I see your face, I see Jesus in you. Every night before I sleep, I know that He dwells with you. In every prayer I offer I am assured that His miracles are real in your life. Before we accepted Christ and were regenerated, He accepted us. Knowing that, I sing high praise to God who has joined us to His Son and to each other. May His everlasting presence enrich and bless you and yours at this moment, throughout the coming year, and always in every way.

Deacon Jim

Father Adam’s Christmas Reflection and Wishes / Z modlitewnÄ… pamiÄ™ciÄ… – nie tylko w Å›wiÄ™ta Bożego Narodzenia

My Dear Brothers and Sisters,

More than two thousands years ago, in the little town of Bethlehem, the miraculous history of the joining of the God’s and humanity’s paths began. What happened in that time and place, is beautifully described in Franciszek Karpinski’s carol from XVIII century . Karpinski, the “common man’s theologian” wrote:

When God is born, no power prevails,
Our Lord in nakedness enwound.
All fire congeals, all luster pales,
Contained is He that knows no bound.
Despised, in glory comes untold,
A mortal king for aye to reign.
The Word of God in flesh behold,
Now born to share our life mundane.

What have ye Heavens o’er the earth,
That God forsook His sweet delight,
And wished to take a human birth,
To share our every toil and plight?
And He did suffer unconsoled,
And we were guilty of His pain.
The Word of God in flesh behold,
Now born to share our life mundane.

A meager shed for Him they found,
And in a manger there He lay.
What was He, and what was there ’round?
Poor shepherds, cattle, sheep and hay.
The poor had hailed Him, we are told,
Before the rich would entertain.
The Word of God in flesh behold,
Now born to share our life mundane.

’Twas then, they say, appeared the
kings, And jostled through the gathering dense.
For Him they brought their offerings:
The myrrh, and gold, and frankincense.
The frankincense, and myrrh, and gold
With rustic gifts He did retain.
The Word of God in flesh behold,
Now born to share our life mundane.

Raise now Thy hand, oh Child divine,
And bless our homeland from the Height.
By good advice and times benign,
Support her strength with Thine own might:
The hamlets, cities and the world,
Our houses, and our every gain.
The Word of God in flesh behold,
Now born to share our life mundane

God became man. The Infinite limited Himself. The King above all ages took mortal flesh, “The Word of God in flesh behold, Now born to share our life mundane.” God enters directly into human history, into each of our biographies. He did this to free us from the slavery of sin, so that we can be “born of God” again, becoming His adopted children and brothers of His Son.

I wish you all a blessed, good, peaceful, and spiritually fulfilling Christmas filled with joy. May Jesus, who is born in the Eucharist, find a worthy home in our hearts, where He is welcomed with faith and love. May He endow your families and homes generously with grace and peace. May the light of Nativity Star be for us the road sign in our journey to real happiness.

With prayers always, and not just for Christmas,

– Fr. Adam, Danuta, Rafal and Marek.

Drodzy Bracia i Siostry

Ponad dwa tysiÄ…ce lat temu, w maÅ‚ym miasteczku Betlejem zaczęła siÄ™ cudowna historia skrzyżowania dróg Boga i czÅ‚owieka. To co siÄ™ tam wydarzyÅ‚o przepiÄ™knie i zarazem “prostym teologicznym” jÄ™zykiem ukazuje XVIII-wieczna kolÄ™dÄ… Franciszka Karpinskiego:

Bóg się rodzi, moc truchleje,
Pan niebiosów obnażony!
Ogień krzepnie, blask ciemnieje,
Ma granice Nieskończony.
Wzgardzony, okryty chwałą,
Śmiertelny Król nad wiekami!
A Słowo Ciałem się stało
I mieszkało między nami.

Cóż niebo, masz nad ziemiany?
Bóg porzucił szczęście Twoje,
Wszedł między lud ukochany,
DzielÄ…c z nim trudy i znoje.
Niemało cierpiał, niemało,
Żeśmy byli winni sami,
A Słowo Ciałem się stało
I mieszkało między nami.

W nędznej szopie urodzony,
Żłób Mu za kolebkę dano!
Cóż jest czym był otoczony?
Bydło, pasterze i siano.
Ubodzy, was to spotkało
Witać Go przed bogaczami!
A Słowo Ciałem się stało
I mieszkało między nami.

Potem królowie widziani
Cisną się między prostotą,
NiosÄ…c dary Panu w dani:
Mirrę, kadzidło i złoto.
Bóstwo to razem zmieszało
Z wieśniaczymi ofiarami.
A Słowo Ciałem się stało
I mieszkało między nami.

Podnieś rękę, Boże Dziecię,
Błogosław Ojczyznę miłą!
W dobrych radach, w dobrym bycie
Wspieraj jej siłę swą siłą.
Dom nasz i majętność całą,
I wszystkie wioski z miastami.
A Słowo Ciałem się stało
I mieszkało między nami.

Bóg staÅ‚ siÄ™ czÅ‚owiekiem. NieskoÅ„czony ograniczyÅ‚ samego siebie, Król nad wiekami przyjÄ…Å‚ Å›miertelne ciaÅ‚o, “SÅ‚owo CiaÅ‚em siÄ™ staÅ‚o i mieszkaÅ‚o miÄ™dzy nami.” Bóg bezpoÅ›rednio wkroczyÅ‚ w dzieje ludzkoÅ›ci, w życiorys każdego z nas, aby nas wyzwolić z niewoli grzechu, abyÅ›my na nowo „z Boga siÄ™ narodzili”, stali siÄ™ braćmi Jego Syna i Jego przybranymi dziećmi.

Życzę Wam wszystkim błogosławionych, dobrych, spokojnych i pełnych duchowej radości świąt Bożego Narodzenia. Niechaj rodzący się podczas Eucharystii Jezus znajdzie godne mieszkanie w naszych sercach, gdzie zostanie przyjęty z wiarą i miłością. Niech Wasze rodziny i domy obdarzy hojnie łaską i pokojem. A światło Gwiazdy Betlejemskiej niech będzie znakiem na naszym szlaku do prawdziwego szczęścia.

Oby i nas poprowadziła Tamta Gwiazda.
Bo tylko ona niesie w sobie Światło.
Bo tylko ona przynosi NadziejÄ™.
Bo tylko ona zapowiada Miłość.
Ona przypomina, że Bóg znowu chce być Emmanuelem – Bogiem z nami!
Oby nie zabrakło dla Niego miejsca.
Bo tylko dzięki Niemu nasze życie może stać się piękne,
a nasz świat bardziej ludzki.
Tylko tam, gdzie rodzi się Bóg,
tylko tam rodzi się człowiek:
ten inny, bardziej ludzki, wrażliwy, niosący w sobie Obraz i Podobieństwo.
O to prośmy przy betlejemskim żłóbku!
(ks. Wacław Buryła)

Z modlitewnÄ… pamiÄ™ciÄ… – nie tylko w Å›wiÄ™ta Bożego Narodzenia

– ks. Adam wraz z żonÄ… Danuta oraz synami RafaÅ‚em i Markiem

Midnight Holy Mass in Schenectady

All are welcome, tonight at midnight, to join in celebrating the Shepherd’s Holy Mass at Holy Name of Jesus Parish, 1040 Pearl Street, Schenectady, NY. We will begin with a beautiful and traditional candlelight procession to the manger, there to worship the new born King. This is the place to be, in Schenectady, tonight at midnight.

Following Holy Mass we will offer our festive repast, the “cós do chelba.” In friendship, fellowship, with open doors and hearts, we will continue in the spirit of community that Jesus came to gather.