This weekend marks the celebration of the Epiphany of the Lord in the Catholic Church. As John called the people of Israel to make way for the coming of Christ, so too are we called to prepare ourselves to receive him.

The Epiphany once celebrated the Adoration of the Magi equally with the Baptism of the Lord and the Wedding at Cana because they represent Christ making his presence known to the world. However, the close relationship between the Magi and Christ’s birth led to that aspect of the feast taking precedence over the others, and the Baptism was later given its own feast to be celebrated sometimes a week later (or the Monday after the Epiphany in 2018).

Once moved, the Baptism feast became the transition between the Christmas Season and the period of Ordinary Time before Lent. Just as Christ moved from his youth to his lifesaving mission, so we are called to follow his journey in our own lives. We must continue to celebrate the joy that comes with his birth, but we must not forget the crucifixion that awaits.

However, we are soon to begin Ordinary Time and not Lent; we are not yet ready for Christ’s sacrifice. During this time, we are called to reflect on how Christ’s early ministry prepares us for salvation. The the Gospel readings represent important moments of this time: the Wedding at Cana, his appearance at the synagogue at Nazareth, and the recruitment of Simon Peter, James, and John to become fishers of men.

These three events can be read as speaking to the mind, body, and soul, revealing how Christ came to restore each of us through him and in him so that we may overcome our fallen state. He demonstrates his master over the physical and spiritual world so we can understand that through him all things were made. Only through our recognizing of his glory can we appreciate the cost of his sacrifice and embrace most fully his love for us.

Each of these three events, marked by miracles, are their own continuation of the Epiphany, and every lesson and every word leads us to salvation. Although they are not as celebrated as Christ’s birth or death, they are just as important. The Christmas Season may be over, but the joy of birth makes room for the ministry of love just as the innocent babe becomes the mighty savior.

Through incarnation, Christ took on the suffering that is man, but it is through baptism that he began the process of setting us free. As John the Baptist explained, Christ will baptize us with the Holy Spirit, allowing us to fully experience the Holy Trinity and to return to God once more. Now is the time when we are called to become disciples.

So feel free to take up New Year’s resolutions and make promises for a new life, but remember that true life comes through Christ. Now is the time that we are called to begin again. Let us not forget the importance of this period of transition, and let us continue to make straight the path for Christ to enter into our lives.

This article is part of a series on Catholic teaching. A version of this article was originally published on January 9, 2016 in the Carroll County Times.