From the Pastor
Fr. Mike Comer shares his thoughts on Scripture, spirituality and the challenges of living the Gospel.
the epiphany—it's a personal choice
Jan. 4, 2026
I hope that all of you had a great Christmas and New Year’s. As much as we look forward to this season, it is also a stressful and difficult season for many of us. As much as we enjoy it, most of us are glad when the Christmas season is behind us. Well, we have one more week to go. Today we celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany, and next Sunday we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord.
If you or I have an epiphany, it refers to a sudden, profound realization of significant meaning. It is a mental breakthrough that transforms our vision of reality.
For the Magi, this was a significant breakthrough in terms of faith. The Star of Bethlehem appeared in the sky, revealing the birth of a new King. The Magi (magicians, astrologers) left their homes in Persia (modern day Iran) to follow the star to wherever it led them. They followed the light, which we all want to do.
When they came to Jerusalem, they went to King Herod, who consulted his advisors as to the birthplace of the Messiah. He then sent the Magi to Bethlehem, the birthplace of King David, about seven miles outside of Jerusalem. When they arrived, they came to the house where the Holy Family was staying and entered and worshipped the child.
If you or I have an epiphany, it refers to a sudden, profound realization of significant meaning. It is a mental breakthrough that transforms our vision of reality.
For the Magi, this was a significant breakthrough in terms of faith. The Star of Bethlehem appeared in the sky, revealing the birth of a new King. The Magi (magicians, astrologers) left their homes in Persia (modern day Iran) to follow the star to wherever it led them. They followed the light, which we all want to do.
When they came to Jerusalem, they went to King Herod, who consulted his advisors as to the birthplace of the Messiah. He then sent the Magi to Bethlehem, the birthplace of King David, about seven miles outside of Jerusalem. When they arrived, they came to the house where the Holy Family was staying and entered and worshipped the child.
The Magi were followers of Zoroastrianism but now acknowledged Christ as their King and Lord. Thus, after the shepherds, these gentile pagans were the earliest believers in Jesus as the Messiah.
Warned by an angel of the treachery of King Herod, they returned home by a different route than the one they had taken before.
When did you come to believe that Christ was your Lord and Messiah? Most of us grew up learning about Him and believing those who taught us. Later, we probably began questioning what we had learned and perhaps even rejecting it. But if you are here today, you have made some personal decision to believe and to follow Christ. How did that happen for you?
—Fr. Mike Comer
Warned by an angel of the treachery of King Herod, they returned home by a different route than the one they had taken before.
When did you come to believe that Christ was your Lord and Messiah? Most of us grew up learning about Him and believing those who taught us. Later, we probably began questioning what we had learned and perhaps even rejecting it. But if you are here today, you have made some personal decision to believe and to follow Christ. How did that happen for you?
—Fr. Mike Comer
