On January 12, 2020, I started my homily with these words:

Well, it’s 2020. If you have 20/20 vision, you can see clearly, so since it is 2020, we should see clearly what is going to happen this year! Ah, if only that were true. In any event, Happy New Year!

Just 12 days later, the first case of the novel Corona virus was detected in Illinois, and on March 9, eight weeks later, the State of Illinois started to close down in response to an emergency declaration by the Governor.

So much for 20/20 vision! I don't think any of us imagined the incredible upheaval to our lives and our society over the last three years. Most of us have settled into a new routine, a "new normal", a way of living that is different than before. In the case of the Pandemic, this isn't necessarily a positive thing.

On the other hand, the birth of Jesus was also a disruptive event, one that changed the lives of everyone around, one that created a "new normal", but in an incredibly positive, joyous way. Looking back at how the world has changed in the last three years might help us imagine the experience of the magi meeting the Savior.

The Gospel depicts only the main characters in the drama of the magi. These three men probably didn't travel alone, but rather with a fairly large group of companions. And while the three magi are the ones shown giving precious gifts to the Christ child, the entire contingent was dramatically changed by the encounter.

One of my favorite parts of this story is at the end, in an almost throw-away detail, when we hear that the magi were warned in a dream not to return to Herod, and so they departed for their country by another way. The encounter with Jesus so changed their view of the world, it was so disruptive, that they literally changed their path and took another road home.

And that is how our lives should work as well.

We are reminded each year as we celebrate the Christmas season that what we believe, what we celebrate, is intended to be disruptive. Our encounters with Jesus are intended to send us off on a different path. Much as the pandemic changed our lives in innumerable ways, so the continued impact of the incarnation of Jesus should change us in ways we never expected, but always oriented toward joy.

It is easy to get bogged down in the rancor and be influenced by those who say the best is in the past. But that's only true if we plod down the well-worn paths of our lives. Instead, the Feast of the Epiphany is a reminder that there is another way. Another path. Another road that leads us toward change.

Baby Bulldogs registration is open! Tell your friends and neighbors about this fun program designed for infants and toddlers in our community. Baby Bulldogs will meet on Thursday mornings from 8:45 -9:30 in our gymnasium from January 19th - April 27th. There will be gross motor and musical play. Here is a sneak peek of the fun to be had Baby Bulldogs Fun with Ms. Coakley.

Do you have a friend or neighbor that is considering applying to the best school in Chicago? Sign up for a tour here: schedule a tour New student applications for the 23-24 school year are now open! Existing families, do not forget to register your new preschoolers. Applications are due February 1. 23-24 SAS Application