Gospel Reflections Feast of the Epiphany January 3 2016
I have a few questions
I would like to know a few things …like why some people get sick while others stay healthy, how the universe and human life evolved, how love can last, how to improve the economy, and even how to find peace in the Middle East.
Maybe you have questions as well. Sometimes answer are obvious but at times we all might struggle to find solutions. Where can we look for wisdom?
Today’s Gospel tells the story of the Magi (wise travelers) going to Bethlehem by the light of a star that was itself among millions of other stars. Why did they follow just that special one? While knowledge is knowing a lot of things, true wisdom is knowing just the right thing! They were wise.
Our faith actually affirms two complimentary sources of wisdom and truth. One source is Revelation, or all the things God said and did in scriptures and tradition. For example, the Angels revealed Jesus to the Shepherds. The other source is the accurate Observation of the world around us. The Magi observed a star and recognized its meaning.
That is why there is such a long tradition of the Church’s support for science and faith. Almost all of our Catholic faith is based on revelation and observation. The Magi, like good scientists and theologians, observed signs in the sky that announced the plan of God and they followed just the right star that brought them to the right place.
That is why the Catholic Church also has a long tradition of founding schools all over the world, and even the very first universities. We use faith and reason to find God’s wisdom for our life.
On the weekend of January 10th, eleven local parishes in our area of Ventura County in Southern California will receive copies of our 2016 University Series Catalogs. This large adult education program during the season of Lent, we offer over 100 sessions on topics that include Faith & Current Events, Marriage & Family, Faith & Science, Scripture, Morality, and Biblical Archaeology.
If you live in this area, make plans to attend! See our website at theuniversityseries.org. Classes will begin on February 11th, the day after Ash Wednesday.
The wise men in the today’s Gospel correctly observed the signs of God’s plan and travelled to the source of wisdom for all their questions in Bethlehem. Perhaps that is why they are still called “Wise.” Let us do the same this season of Lent.
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
Thank you for your star presentation on how those of us who are wise will attend the many informative and enjoyable programs in the University Series. We are fortunate to be able to attend this unusual series as were the Magi to be able to observe the Salvation of the World come into the world.
We are just a few weeks away from this year’s University Series. See you there!
Excellent explanation of how Wisdom is the product of combining Faith and Science. Especially critical when the secularists tell everyone that we need to choose between faith and science!
Congrats on the continued success of your University Series!
God bless & thanks for all your help!
Larry,
Thank you Father Dave for your beautiful explanation of Revelation and Observation!!!! We are so blessed with our precious faith centered on LOVE!!! Dick and I love what we believe for the heart of our faith is total love , forgiveness, compassion, and goodness!!”The University” which you created helps us immensely in connecting our Faith to our everyday life!!! Faith becomes a living reality and we are challenged to live the love presented!!Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee it!!!! Dick and I are so excited and honored to be speakers for your University Series!! We love speaking about our beautiful Blessed Mother and her incredible Son Jesus!!! We are blessed to be a part of your amazing University Classes!!! Thank you for having us and a most precious and blessed New Year to you!!!
Love, Franca and Dick
See you soon in the University Series!
As in years past, I look forward to the many classes/educational opportunities that are available in The University Series. It helps tie our Catholic teachings to everyday life. I am excited to learn new things.
We are just a few weeks away!
Hi Father Dave, looking forward to attend some of The University presentations and learn from you good and wise people
Specially what you bring to the table and as you stated above to observe and try to gain some wisdom from you and learn as much as I can about our Lord Jesus
I look forward to seeing you there!
These Wise Men also looked for direction by using the stars. They also knew God’s promis and had God’s Wisdom to know the meaning. They studied and knew God’s promises. As we study and look for the signs that he gives us every day God will also give use the wisdom to follow Him.. I hope to make it to some of the classes if I can get a ride. We can never think we know enough. It brings us closer to our relationship with God “To know Him and His ways.
I hope to see you there!
Rick and I attended a couple classes in the University Series last year for the first time. We were so impressed with the spectrum of topics and issues covered. I can’t wait to register again this year!
I am glad you have enjoyed them, and glad you are looking forward to attending again. See you soon!
Great News……Always Forward!
Yes, always forward.
Hi Father Dave, looking forward to attend some of the presentations of the University Series, specially yours, you always bring so much wisdom and knowledge to the table, they are so energizing and always lift me up. I’ll be ready to observe and to absorb as much as our Lord Jesus helps me to.
See you soon!
We certainly have no further to look for Wisdom than within our 11 parish University Series classes, beginning the day after Ash Wednesday. There are so many topics designed to enrich the knowledge of our Faith. We are happy to note that Bishop Barron is conducting a session, and that there are so many returning wise and knowledgable instructors.
Thank you for your wisdom in creating this program for our benefit.
Bob and Rose Mary
Thank you. I am especially glad to have Bishop Barron n this year’s University, and all the years after as well.