the church calendar of readings marks today as the Baptism of Jesus Sunday.  In the season of Epiphany, Jesus' Baptism marks the beginning of His ministry which ultimately takes Him to the cross.  But, His Baptism was not just a "showpiece" for everyone to see.  Neither is our Baptism a simple initiation rite, or our declaration of faithfulness to God.  God does marvelous and unimaginable through Baptism which results in our forgiveness of sins and eternal life through the death of Christ.  find out what your Baptism is all about. (contact me [email protected]

Today is Epiphany Sunday.  Epiphany means "light."  We celebrate the arrival of the Magi to the manger of Christ who is the light of the world.  Stars have always been a part of magic, ancient mythology, worshiped millennia ago, and worshiped by some today.  Stars are displayed a lot at Christmas time; in fact, they replace the manger scenes of Christ in most public displays of Christmas.  And although the Christmas Star has been adopted and adapted to the pagan celebration of Christianity symbolizing luck, joy, happiness, and peace, the star is NOT the main object.  Find out what the purpose of this star; what it meant to the Magi and what it means for you and me.

In total darkness it is difficult to see where you are going.  Darkness usually frightens people.  they can't see where they are going; they might not know what lurks in the shadows.  There is also spiritual darkness: doubt, losing joy or the experience of closeness to God.  St. John of the Cross called this spiritual loneliness the "dark night of the soul."  There is only one way out of the darkness.  Like miners in a cave who kept candles lit to light their way, you need spiritual light to light your way.  find out how.