Today we celebrate the feast of the Epiphany, commemorating the visit by the Magi, the wise men, to the infant Jesus. These visitors were not Jews; they represent the nations. In Matthew’s Gospel, the Magi are the first witnesses to the birth of Jesus and their visit signifies the universality of Jesus’ saving mission. Jesus came to save all people. In Jesus, all humans of every race and nation are equal. God loves all.

At Saint John’s we demonstrate the same mission. People of all races join in prayer at Saint John’s. Visitors come to pray from all over the USA and the world. Not only do we include people of all races and nations, we also have the rich and the poor worshiping together. And in 2023 an even greater feat is that we welcome and include people of various political ideologies, Democrats and Republicans, liberals and conservatives.

All are welcome in Jesus’ kingdom. All are welcome and included at Saint John’s.

Young Adult Outreach, Sunday, January 8: Join us for the Feast of the Epiphany Mass at 6 PM, followed by dinner and drinks in the parish center. This event is for those in their 20s and 30s.

Epiphany Home Blessing: There is a long standing custom in the Catholic Church that every home be blessed on the feast of the Epiphany in honor of the Magi who visited the house where Jesus and Mary were staying in Bethlehem. Each household attending Mass at Saint John’s this weekend will receive a house blessing program. You have two options:

• You can pray together with those with whom you share your home using the paper and the instructions on it.
• You can tune in at 5 PM on January 8 to a livestream blessing which I will lead, and you can gather your household members and pray with me. This is a good option for those who live alone, but you can also pray with me and those who share your home. Here is the link:

https://stjohnsphilly.org/stjohnslive

Whether you gather with our own household or with my livestream, I urge everyone to pray on the feast of the Epiphany for peace in your home for the new year.

Father Frank Yacobi, OFM Cap: Father Frank, pastor of Saint John’s Church from 2004-2010, died on December 31. Father Frank was a good friar and priest and my friend. He and I worked together in the provincial office for six years. If you’d like to read about Father Frank’s life, please go to our Parish web. May he rest in peace!