Today is the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord. For centuries we as Catholics celebrated this Feast on Jan 6, but the decision was made a number of years ago (at least in the United States) to celebrate the Epiphany on the Sunday which falls between Jan 2 and Jan 8.

We have arrived at Gaudete Sunday (Gaudete is the Latin word for “rejoice”) this Third Week of Advent, and the Scriptures take on a joyful tone as we continue our preparations for the feast of our Savior’s birth.

The readings for the Second Week of Advent offer both encouragement and challenge as we reflect and prepare for the two “comings” of Christ — His coming as a baby on the great feast of Christmas, and the anticipation of His second coming at the end of time.

We have arrived at the powerful season of Advent, a season to prepare with awe and wonder for the Feast of the Incarnation of Jesus — born to us as Savior and Brother. It is a season to prepare for His return at the end of time.

On this last Sunday of Ordinary Time for the liturgical year, we celebrate the Feast of Christ the King. This feast was instituted by Pope Pius XI in 1925, at a time when the world was experiencing a rise of secularism, materialism, and individualism, and an increasing denial of Christ’s existence and authority.

Today’s readings are in stark contrast to the joy of the holiday season that is fast approaching, warning us instead of dark times ahead and our inevitable judgment day.

Today’s First Reading from the First Book of Kings, as well as the Gospel passage from Mark, both center on the actions of two seemingly poor and helpless widows who show themselves to be faith-filled and generous stewards.

Today’s Gospel presents Jesus’ teachings on the two greatest commandments. Love the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. And, love your neighbor as yourself. Let’s consider these “greatest commandments” as they relate to three aspects of a Christian steward’s daily life - the giving of our time, talent and treasure.