Epiphany Catholic Church - Normal IL

Subject: Seek True Satisfaction: Bring Your Needs to Christ

Dear Epiphany Catholic Church & School,

I hope this finds you reflecting on Isaiah’s question — why spend your wages for what fails to satisfy — and ready to bring whatever burdens you have to Christ this week.

Our readings invited us to ground ourselves in the here and now: Isaiah calling us away from what leaves us empty, Paul reminding us that nothing in heaven or earth can separate us from God, and the Gospel showing Jesus, exhausted and grieving, stop and care for the crowd out of pity. Even when he sought to get by himself, the needs of the people drew him in, and he taught the disciples — bring what you have to me, however little — and he multiplied it to feed them. That same pattern holds for us: come to him with your real, present needs and he will help and strengthen you for the tasks before you.

Take a hard look this week at one place you’re spending time, energy, or money that leaves you empty, and bring that to the Lord in prayer rather than trying to fill it yourself. Then do one concrete thing of service, however small — your five loaves and two fish — and trust him to multiply it; when you feel at the end of your rope, breathe, bring it to Jesus, and step toward the need in front of you.

Blessings,
Epiphany Catholic Church & School Team

Subject: The Pearl of Great Price

Dear Epiphany Catholic Church & School,

I hope this finds you thinking about the Pearl of Great Price. In Sunday's Gospel, a merchant sells everything he owns — not reluctantly, but with joy — once he recognizes the treasure in front of him. That's the heart of it: while all of creation is good, only Christ is worth everything we have.

Recognizing him as our ultimate treasure lets us sift through life's complexities without losing our way. Grounded in the Eucharist and a spirit of thankfulness, we can move through life with clarity and peace, trusting that our individual differences don't make us better or worse — only unique members of one community seeking the same goal.

This week, I encourage you to name one thing you'd be willing to let go of to make more room for the Kingdom of God.

Blessings,
Epiphany Catholic Church & School Team