January 7, 2024: Which Path Are You On?

Today’s homily begins with an excerpt from a dream of St. John Bosco, where he describes a road that led to the gates of hell. He describes traps that he passed along the way… disobedience, pride, sloth, anger, etc. In this dream, his guide tells him, “Bad companions, bad books, and bad habits are mainly responsible for so many eternally lost.” On the feast of the Epiphany, we are reminded that the Wise Men also followed a road… but that road led to heaven, not to hell. It was difficult, with rough terrain… but it was one of hope- not despair. “Despite the vast differences between the Magi and the souls condemned to hell, that which played the most significant role in determining the outcome for each was exactly the same… the companions they kept, the media they engaged, and the habits of life that they adopted.” In the end there are only two possible paths in life… the million dollar question is which one are you on? The Epiphany of The Lord First Reading: Isaiah 60: 1-6 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 72: 1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13 Second Reading: Ephesians 3: 2-3a, 5-6 Alleluia: Matthew 2: 2 Gospel: Matthew 2: 1-12