January 5, 2003

Many areas have major attractions that bring tourists from far and wide. On the Feast of the Epiphany, we recall that Jesus was a major attraction even as a poor and powerless infant. He attracted people to God and we, the Church of Jesus Christ, are called to do the same.

We have an attraction in WNY! No, not the Casino, but Niagara Falls! This is a natural wonder and spectacular vision. We expect people to stream to see the rock star and queens. In today's Scripture, however, we see "tourists" attracted to two very holy and humble "sights".

Jerusalem was a sorry sight when the Scripture from Isaiah was written. The prophet's vision must have seemed impossible to those who heard this message. And, yet today, Jerusalem is a major attraction. We also know that through the Jews, many other people - Christians and Muslims - have been attracted to the Lord.

Jesus, himself, must have seemed very weak and insignificant in comparison to the rich, powerful King Herod, and later on compared to the priests and Pharisees. Yet, even from his birth, people streamed to him. Like the "tourists" in today's Gospel, people saw something in him that led them to worship and serve the Lord. And, through him they came to understand what God intended for their life journeys.

We understand the Church to be the new Israel, called to rise up in splendor and attract all people to the Lord. We might sometimes experience our Church as a dilapidated stable, yet it must be "the place where the child" is found today. God's glory can certainly shine through the Church and despite our many flaws, we are called to become the PLACE where everyone can find the Lord and do him homage.

SO THE QUESTION: CAN YOU BE CONSCIOIUS OF ATTRACTING PEOPLE TO GOD AND TO THE CHURCH THIS WEEK? HAVE YOU EVER INVITED ANYONE TO A MASS WITH YOU?

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