Time to give gifts

Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord GIFTS

Today we are celebrating the feast of the Epiphany of the Lord. As you well know, it is the day of giving gifts. Thank God at least in Mexico City the Three Kings are still more popular than Santa. We share gifts today because the Three Kings came with gifts for the baby Jesus. Gold, frankincense and Myrrh. GOLD because he was a king, frankincense because he was God, and Myrrh in preparation for his death. I would like to invite you to reflect on gifts today. It seems that gifts are almost the most important thing about Christmas, especially here where society says that we have to buy, consume and spend more and more. It is sad, because the gesture of a gift is so important, so significant, but consumerism has emptied it of its deep meaning. Giving gifts is a very meaningful gesture, it expresses our desire to offer something for free, without expecting something in return to a friend or loved one. But many times the gift has become a type of commerce. She gave me a gift, so I have to give one. He gave me a very expensive gift, so how can I give a gift that I bought at the Dollar store? Today I want to invite you to think about other types of gifts. Gifts for their families or loved ones and gifts for your church. But don't worry, you won't have to go to the store or look for something on Amazon. You don't have to spend money. No, I'm talking about another kind of gift. The gift that I want you to give to your family is so simple: closeness, listening, generous giving of yourself or patient love. You who are far from your family understand this. We who have lost a loved one know this. What we want most is to be close, a hug, someone who can listen to our problems or simply share the day. If this person is nearby, if you live in the same house, give them this gift. Parents listen to your children, and children talk to your parents. When they ask "How was your day?" Please do not answer, "fine." Stop for a moment and answer the question. Husbands and wives, give your spouse a hug. A kiss, tell them you love them. Gold, frankincense and myrrh represented the magi, give a gift that represents yourselves. Give the gift of you. Now we move on to the church, what can you give to the church? What does the church need? For those who were here at the Guadalupe Mass with our bishop, the bishop spoke of the gift that you are. Your presence here is a gift of hope. The presence of the Latinos in the US gives us hope. With your youth, family, energy and life. This is what it means to be church: You! You give us hope that our church has a future. But there's another gift I want from you. As Redemptorists you know that Fathers Aaron, Roberto and I have come here to Willard and the diocese in September. For 4 months we have been visiting you. And we tried to get to know the reality of the people here. In December we had a meeting with our Bishop Daniel and together we have decided that what is needed is trained and committed ministers. There are many ministers here, many committed people, but there are many who only come to Mass and others who do everything. We're going to pass out some sheets right now and we want you to commit yourselves to a ministry. Altar Server, Lector, Minister of Communion, Usher, or Sacristan. We only want you to commit to one ministry. And starting in February we are going to offer training for these ministries. Today is the day to give gifts and not only because the Three Kings offered gifts. We are going to give gifts because our God started this custom. God is the only one who knows how to truly give gifts. He has given us his incredible love for us by giving us his Son. "In Him the love of God our Savior and His love for each one of us has been manifested to us." (Titus 3:4)