By Julie Godfrey Miller
Catholic Herald

Epiphany festival of lessons and carols held in Superior

SUPERIOR -- On Epiphany Sunday, Jan. 4, St. Francis Xavier Church in Superior was the site of a special festival of lessons and carols. Fr. Philip Heslin, moderator of the curia for the Diocese of Superior, officiated in place of Bishop Raphael M. Fliss, who is recovering from hip surgery.

In between readings from the Scriptures, the diocesan chorale, under the direction of Kathy Turba, sang carols and anthems, accompanied by the newly refurbished St. Francis pipe organ.

Sr. Theresa Sandok, a Servant of Mary, gave the reflection on the meaning of the Epiphany. The word "epiphany" comes from a Greek word meaning to manifest, to shine forth, to come to light. She noted that many of the readings in the service used the image of light.

Referring to the reading from Isaiah 60:1, Sandok said, "Isaiah tells us: 'Rise up in splendor! Your light has come.' Imagine that. This light --our light that has come -- makes us resplendent."

Sandok continued, "The central meaning of the feast we celebrate today is that the light that dawns on us is God. If we are in the light, we are in God, and God is in us."

The final point in her reflection was "the resplendent fact that the word made flesh in Jesus is made flesh in us as well," she said.

"You are the light of the world. So go out today, and shine like the sun."

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© Superior Catholic Herald, 2004