Posted January 3, 2025

(See the readings for the Epiphany of the Lord)

Christmas Eve morning I brought communion to Clare, a 94-year-old parishioner. Clare has been in the parish for over 50 years. She and her husband moved here from Philadelphia sometime after they were married. They raised their family in our parish (Our Lady of Grace in Penndel, Bucks County).

Clare told me a story of an encounter she had almost 50 years ago with one of the first-grade students in our school. Clair had been doing volunteer work at the school, helping students with remedial reading. One day, as Christmas was approaching, Clare was working with one of the students, Jimmy. Clare said that Jimmy was having trouble with his “th’s, r’s and s’s.”

One day Clare was reading a book with Jimmy but he seemed distracted. When they got to the end of the story, Clare asked Jimmy to recall the story. He couldn’t. “Were you paying attention?” Clare asked. “No, I was thinking of something else.” “What were you thinking about?” Clare inquired. “Mashed potatoes,” was the response.

After Clare asked some more questions, she found out that Jimmy’s grandmother was making a big meal for his uncle who was returning home from military service. The entire family was having a celebration. As part of the meal, Jimmy would get his favorite food, mashed potatoes. Clare told Jimmy that she was happy for him and his family. Jimmy then invited her to the dinner. “When is it?” “Monday night.” “Oh I’m sorry, I am already committed on Monday but it will be a great night for you and your family. I’m very happy your uncle is coming home.”

The following Tuesday, when Clare arrived in the classroom, Jimmy ran up to her. “Mrs. Clare, Mrs. Clare,” he called out. “What is it Jimmy?” she replied. Jimmy was carrying his school bag. “I have something for you,” he said. He opened the bag and pulled out a plastic Tupperware container and handed it to her. “It’s for you Mrs. Clare.” Clare said “thank you” and took the container. She opened it, and there it was: mashed potatoes.

Clare was getting “filled-up” as he told me the story of Jimmy’s gift. The memory of his kindness and thoughtfulness has stayed with her all these years later and still gives her great joy. A memory that she was happy to share. After telling me that story, Clare said, “Jimmy gave me that simple gift and it has stayed with me all these years. But you’re bringing me the greatest gift, Communion.”

For me the visit was a beautiful way to start off Christmas. This Sunday we continue our celebration with the observance of the Epiphany. The magi arrive from the East bringing gifts to the newborn King of the Jews.

It seems like the magi bringing gifts is the origin of our practice of gift giving at Christmas. Some cultures share gifts on Christmas day; others share on the Epiphany. Regardless of the day, gift giving is a widely practiced tradition associated with our celebration of the birth of Jesus.

The gift-giving ultimately reminds us that God has given us the greatest gift, his Son. The birth of the Messiah is a celebration of God’s love for us and for peoples of all times and places. The magi seeking to worship the “newborn King of the Jews,” when they find him, fall down in adoration. They are giving him the gift of praise.

The magi, coming from the east, remind us that Jesus came to save all peoples. The magi represent the Gentiles (non-Jews) as the shepherds represent the Jewish people. Jesus brings with him the gift of salvation for all peoples.

The magi’s gifts have a symbolic value both for Jesus and his mission of salvation. The gold represents kingship. Frankincense is incense burned with sacrifices to God. Myrrh is used to anoint the body in preparation for burial. The gifts, with the added attempt on Jesus’ life by Herod, point toward Jesus’s sacrifice on the cross by which salvation is accomplished. In that sacrifice, Jesus heals the wounds of sin, conquers the power of death and gives mankind a share in divine life.

We have all be given a share in divine life, eternal life, through Jesus’ gift of himself. The thanksgiving we offer acknowledges the gift we have received and helps us to share it with others.

Our thanksgiving is offered in worship and praise. Our thanksgiving is offered in witness and proclamation. Our thanksgiving is also offered in the everyday acts of kindness like the one Jimmy the first-grader did for his teacher Mrs. Clare.

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Msgr. Joseph Prior is pastor of Our Lady of Grace Parish, Penndel, and a former professor of Sacred Scripture and rector of St. Charles Borromeo Seminary.