In the long Gospel reading from the fourth chapter of John, we hear of the encounter that Jesus has with the (Samaritan) Woman at the Well.  In the course of this amazing conversation, Jesus reveals himself more and more to the woman.  She moves quickly from complete ignorance of Jesus to the point where she goes and says to her neighbors, "Could this be the Messiah?"  This woman is a model for all of us.  At first we don't know Jesus or anything about him. As we grow in our faith we come to know him as Lord and Savior.  In worship and prayer we deepen our relationship with him.  Through the Eucharist we have communion with him.  At the end of each Mass we are told to "Go, and announce the Gospel of the Lord"!

(Pardon the introductory words to the congregation present in the church that morning)

In giving us the Beatitudes, Jesus is expounding on the Law and bringing it to perfection.  Whereas the Law of Moses (i.e., the Ten Commandments) help us to live at peace with God and one another here on earth, the Beatitudes point us to the Kingdom of Heaven.  We must remember that we were made for communion with God (in heaven).  Even though this has been revealed to creation from the beginning, we humans tend to fall again and again into error by excluding God and focusing only on ourselves and our desires.  This has brought only division, disaster, and death over the millennia.  Would that we would embrace our faith and believe in the words that Jesus speaks in the Gospel:  "Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven."

Today's first reading and gospel reading refer to "the regions of Naphtali and Zebulon", places where people have "walked in darkness", but will one day see a great light.  We may not know about the significance of these regions (or the tribes for which they are named), but it is important for us to grasp a little history here.  Jesus begins his public ministry in this region.  He is thus revealed as the fulfillment of the ancient prophecy and truly is, the Light of the World.  As one who has come to enlighten all of creation, Jesus then calls some of his disciples by name.  Today he calls each of us by name, to know him and to follow him. 

It is in following Jesus -- and being in communion with him -- that empowers us to turn away from sin and embrace the Father's eternal love for us.  The way out of sin requires more than simply gritting our teeth and trying to overcome it; the way out comes only through Jesus Christ.  Come, Follow me.  

Today we celebrate Epiphany - a feast within the Christmas season.  While we traditionally focus on the event of the Visit of the Magi (today's Gospel) on Epiphany, really everything that Jesus did and said was an epiphany, a manifestation of the glory and presence of God.  We ought to strive to be like the Magi who welcomed the Lord with great wonder and joy.  And then, afterwards, we should share that joy and wonder with the whole world.

Bishop Bill's homily from the Memorial Mass for Pope Benedict XVI.  

Come to me, all who are weary, says the Lord, and I will give you rest.

The promises and prophecies of old are fulfilled in the birth of Jesus Christ: God is with us. Our Lady of Guadalupe appeared to San Juan Diego 500 years ago with the same message: Do not be afraid, God is with you.  Our Lady desired that a church be built on the hill so that people could come from far and wide to know and to celebrate God's love, God's mercy, and God's presence among us.

Even though the rest of the world has moved on from Christmas, we remember that we are still within the Christmas season.  One of the great feasts of Christmas is the solemnity of Mary, Mother of God.  This gives us an opportunity to learn from Mary, who draws all people closer to her Son.  Even though the Blessed Virgin speaks a couple of times in the Gospels, she is most known for her contemplation of the mysteries surrounding the birth, passion, death, and resurrection of her Son Jesus Christ.  She LISTENED and put everything in her heart.  We would do well to do the same -- this Christmas season and throughout the year.  Let us reflect on the mystery of the Incarnation and the salvation won for us by the Son of God and the Son of Mary.  Listen.

What does Christmas mean?  Do we take the time to reflect on the miracle and mystery of the Incarnation?  Imagine: God "stepped into" creation so that humanity could share in God's divinity.  We will never be able to understand it completely, but it should move our hearts to be grateful and to worship and give thanks to God all of the time -- especially today.  The Incarnation is such an awesome mystery, we must share this Good News with everyone we encounter.

In the Gospel today we hear Jesus say, "You cannot be my disciple unless you hate your father and mother, spouse and children..."  The word "hate" is disturbing, especially when used by Jesus.  Of course, while he is not telling us literally to hate someone (least of all our parents), he is intentially provocative.  He wants us to love God above all things, even above our parents, our children, and our own life.  Following Jesus is not something we do in a moment of great grace or even for a short amount of time; it is the work of a lifetime.  "Come, follow me", says the Lord.

In the Gospel today, a follower of Jesus asks him, "Will only a few be saved?" Jesus answers not with a "yes" or "no", but with this admonition: "Strive to enter the narrow way".  He said that many will try to enter but they will not be able to.  Perhaps after hearing this we may ask(along with the disciples in Jesus' day), "Then who can be saved?"  Salvation is not our doing; it is the work of God.  Through the Passion, death, and Resurrection of Jesus, God gives all people the offer of salvation.  We cannot work our way or strongarm our way or buy our way into heaven.  No, we must allow God to save us.  How?  Through our faith in His Son Jesus Christ, and through humbling ourselves.  In order to go through the narrow way, we have to make ourselves small.  If we humble ourselves and spend ourselves for God and others, we will be glorified in the Kingdom of Heaven.