EPIPHANY OF DIVINE LOVE
Today is the feast of St. John Neumann, the first U.S. Bishop to
be canonized a saint. He was born in Bohemia
and immigrated at age twenty-five to become a missionary to the New World. He was penniless; however, he completed his
theological studies, was ordained, and almost immediately became pastor of a
territory in northern New York.
He was appointed Bishop of Philadelphia where he erected a large number of new
parishes, began the building of the Cathedral, and especially attracted to the
diocese a number of religious orders of teaching brothers and sisters so that
soon his parochial schools increased twentyfold. St.
John also found time to write two major catechisms, as
well as a Bible history for children, and articles for newspapers and journals.
John Neumann died on this day in 1860.
In today's readings we hear about those who abide in God's love
and how His Heart is moved with pity for the people; "For they were like
sheep without a shepherd" (Mk 6:34). They are unaware that Jesus is
God-with-us, which is the epiphany of divine love. They need to be taught God's
Truth and to trust in Him. It is here
that Jesus feeds them with five loaves and two fish and shows Himself as a
prophet.
I couldn't help but imagine while I was reflecting on the
Scripture's this morning , what John Neumann must have felt when he immigrated
from his country to the United States with no money, the uncertainty of going
to a strange Country, and especially not knowing anyone must have caused him to
fell alone. Truly he trusted in God, knowing that somehow this was the right
decision for him. He must have had a burning desire to do something meaningful
with his life - doing good for others, truly loving his neighbor - although he
didn't know where God would be using him to help build His Kingdom here in this
world.
St. John Neumann did love God and trusted in Him. He had fears
just like we do today in our lives, but was not afraid to cry out to Jesus for
help. We too have our storms and fears
in our lives. When things are not going
well in our families, at work, with our communities, or just fighting the fears
within our-selves. We two need to have that same trust in God, with our faith
and love for Him he also will leads us on our journey in this life and in our
future home.
In today's Gospel of John, Jesus said to Philip, "Follow
Me" (Jn 1:43b). Then "Philip found Nathanael and told him, 'We have
found the One about Whom Moses wrote in the Law, and also the prophets, Jesus,
son of Joseph, from Nazareth'"
(Jn 1:45).Jesus said to Nathanael, "You will see greater things than
this... Amen, amen, I say to you, you will see the sky opened and the angels of
God ascending and descending on the Son of Man" (Jn 1:50b - 51). Our
challenge today is for each of us to make the most out of our lives - make this
world a better place during this Christmas season and love each other as God
loves each one of us.
May we have confidence in God!