That very day, the first day of the week, two of Jesus’ disciples were going to a village seven miles from Jerusalem called Emmaus.
Christ is Risen! Alleluia!
He is truly risen! Alleluia!
After eight days had passed, it was time to circumcise the child; and he was called Jesus
Each January first we celebrate the Solemnity of the Circumcision of the Lord. Seems like an odd thing to commemorate doesn’t it? Yet, it is important that we do so because its meaning is deeper than expected. Circumcision was a matter of God’s covenant (contract) with Israel and was part of the Law. God commanded Abraham to have every male circumcised, whether that male be a part of Israel or a slave within Israel (see Genesis 17). This circumcision in the flesh was an outward sign of belonging to God and the community. It meant inclusion among God’s chosen people. Because circumcision was to be performed on the eighth day after birth, that falls to January first, eight days after Jesus’ birth on December 25th. That is the technical reason for January first.
There are however much deeper meanings. As we begin the new year it is important for us to reflect on our belonging. As the people of Israel’s belonging was marked in the flesh, our belonging must go beyond that. We are called, as Scripture points out repeatedly, to circumcision of the heart. Who do I belong to, where are my people, what are my loyalties, where is my heart? Important questions that need an answer with the only proper answer being that we belong to, and are loyal to, God and His Holy Church. Circumcision was a change, it was different and made one different. We are called to consider how our belonging to God and His Church has made us different. Do I live and act differently day-to-day, hour-to-hour? Again, our flesh is not required to be changed, but our hearts are. In our examination, if we have fallen short in being changed let’s change that in 2026. Jesus’ circumcision was a mark of obedience to His Father’s will. He sheds His blood for the first time on that eighth day. He obeys the Law to make its true meaning clear to us: To love and sacrifice for God and our neighbor. Jesus, the true Son of God and son of Abraham and David leads the way for us.
Welcome to our January 2026 Newsletter and Happy New Year.
There is tons of information on upcoming events and activities, Epiphany Blessings (we do not have much time this year), the annual parish meeting and election of officers and members, a list of the longer range activities we will enjoy throughout 2026, our annual Valentine’s Raffle and the ever popular Basket Social. Also, please remember our seminary in your generosity.
