Violence: We see it everywhere — in our neighborhoods, our schools, our communities, our world — and feel less able to avoid it. Along with the violence, we see images of people fleeing, sometimes walking for miles to escape intolerable situations.

The English word “Epiphany” is derived from a Greek noun meaning “manifestation, appearance, revelation.” The feast of the Epiphany celebrates the Lord Jesus’ revelation or appearance to the Gentiles, the nations — all of them.

The baptism to which Jesus submitted during the ministry of John the Baptizer was not the sacrament of baptism. The sacrament of baptism is believed to have been instituted by Jesus after his resurrection. Only from the death and resurrection of Jesus do our seven sacraments receive the power to do what they symbolize.