Occasionally we hear someone speak about experiencing a miracle. Usually it involves rescue from some accident or health crisis. “It was a miracle that car didn’t hit me, the way they were driving” or “It was a miracle they were able to save her leg, the way that it was smashed.” We even talk about “miracle” drugs, a reference to the amazing properties of life-saving antibiotics, antivirals, and certain other compounds. Miracles have a character of the unexplained to them. While scientists can describe in great detail the action of “miracle” drugs, to the rest of us they seem just amazing. Doctors can illuminate the process by which someone is healed through surgery and therapy, but again, it seems almost unbelievable when we see the results. Engineers can detail why a collision never happened, but to those who escape harm, it seems like a miracle indeed!

The miracle at the wedding feast at Cana in Galilee is the third aspect of what comprises the manifestation of Christ known as the Epiphany mystery. (The appearance of the Magi and the baptism at the Jordan are the other two.) In his Gospel, John describes the action by Jesus at Cana as a “sign” that reveals his glory. It is the revelation of his glory that causes the disciples to believe in him. Jesus is made manifest, and so people come to believe. It is what happened to the Magi; it is what happened to the crowds gathered at the Jordan; it is what happens to the disciples who are with him at the wedding feast.

The wonder of God’s glory is not reserved to spectacular miracles that take place only at rare intervals. It is a wonder that a drug can cure someone, or that a surgeon can work so skillfully, or that for whatever reason, accidents are avoided. Seeing the manifestation of God’s action each day is the sign of one who believes that the Word is made flesh and dwells among us.

Happy Anniversary!!!

St. Valentine Parish would like to invite all couples celebrating a significant anniversary (5, 10, etc.) this year to a reception on Sunday, February 10 after the 9 a.m. Mass. At the Mass, Father will give a special blessing to the couples.

Please contact the rectory (313-532-4394) as soon as possible to make your reservation because we need to know how many people to plan for. If you want to drop off your wedding picture marked with your name at the rectory, we will display it at the reception. We hope you will join us!

Today we celebrate solemnity of “The Epiphany of the Lord.” Now the word “Epiphany” comes from the Greek word ‘Epiphania’ meaning ‘revelation’ or ‘manifestation’. Today’s feast commemorates the public manifestation of God in the person of Jesus.  It’s manifestation of God to the Gentiles. 

Friends, our God is the God of all nations. He is God for all the people and all the nations. The first reading very clearly says that there will come a time when all the people will be brought together around the Lord and blessed abundantly.  The glory of the Lord will descend on earth and His glory will envelop the whole of creation. In our second reading St. Paul speaks of universal salvation. God loves the non – Christians too for they also are beneficiaries of God’s salvific plan.

The feast of the Epiphany was the manifestation of Jesus to the wise men. It was an event which Christians of the early Church celebrated with great enthusiasm.  There was a good reason for it: the wise men were the first non-Jews who believed in Christ, and early Christians, most of whom had been Pagans before, saw in the three wise men three of their own people. They praised God for having called not only Jews, but Pagans as well, to the faith. 

The journey of the wise men symbolically indicates the destination of our journey and the means to reach there. The journey of the wise men reveals to us that we too are pilgrims on earth in search of permanent dwelling place. The journey of the wise men towards the birthplace of Jesus indicates that we too are pilgrims who should travel towards God. We should travel towards God because only in Him can we find our ultimate fulfillment.

Gratitude & My Travel to India

  Christmas season is a grateful season. It reminds us to remember what God has done in our life, especially through Jesus Christ. My heart is filled with joy and happiness to appreciate all of you for sending me beautiful Christmas cards and wishes. In a special way I would like to thank you for your generosity and kindness. You are greatly appreciated. It’s been my pleasure to be with you celebrating Christmas and New Year’s. It’s time for me to take leave for a few days and be with my mum and siblings. I would like to inform you that I will be leaving for India on January 11^th for vacation. I shall be back to the Parish on February 11th.

Kindly remember me in your prayers so that I may have safe travels and a great time with  my mum and siblings. I assure you my prayers. God bless.               

   Fr. Kishore Battu SAC