 |
|---|
Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord
First Reading: Isaiah 60: 1-6Background/ContextThe Book of Isaiah tells of a prophecy made about seven hundred years before the birth of Christ expressing the joy of the Israelites as they return after years of captivity and enter the city of Jerusalem. The prophecy of Isaiah gave them hope that the promised Messiah would soon rise among the people and His glory will be seen by all. As God's chosen people, they would be the light to the nations of the world. Message/Meaning of the ReadingJesus came as a light to all people. This revelation comes to all who are willing to receive Him and His work of redemption. Being enlightened by the light of God, we are called to go forward and share the Good News that has been bestowed upon us. How to ProclaimThe reading is a vision of the new Jerusalem. Let your exultant tone paint the vivid imagery of throngs of people gathering in procession. It should be read with hope and anticipation for the good future that lies ahead. Word WatchIsaiah - ai-ZAY-uh Midian - MIH-dih-uhn Ephah - EE-fuh Sheba - SHEE-buh Dromedaries - DRAH-muh-dher-ees
Responsorial Psalm: LORD, EVERY NATION ON EARTH WILL ADORE YOUThe response pslam echoes the universal worship of Jesus as God's chosen one.>
Second Reading:Ephesians 3: 2-3, 5-6Background/Context of the ReadingPaul tells the Ephesians of his commission of God's grace that was given them. The revelation of God is universal and to be hand on to others. Jews and Gentiles are called to be members of the body of Christ and enjoy the promises God made to Israel. Message/Meaning of the ReadingWe are all children of God. Whatever physical or cultural differences that may be between us. we belong to a single family of one Father. God, in the person of Jesus Christ, is reaching out to the whole world. Are we doing our share in encouraging closeness to God and to each other? How to ProclaimThe reading should be read with an exultant tone. Stress the word now for emphasis. Then pause before the phrase at the end of the reading after the colon i.e. that the gentiles are co-heirs. . . because this is the climax and the main theme of the reading. Word WatchEphesians - eh-FEE-zhuhnz Stewardship - STü-ərd-ship, or STYü-ərd-ship
Gospel: Matthew 2:1-12Background/Context of the ReadingThree wise men from the East or Magi followed a star, traditionally known as the Star of Bethlehem, that led them to the Child Jesus. When they found Him, they paid homage and presented him three symbolic gifts: gold, frankincense and myrrh. The King Herod, the chief priest and scribes were troubled by the wise men desire to see the newborn king of the Jews. Herod, already king of the Jews, wanted to find this child to eliminate him. Message/Meaning of the ReadingThe light of the star was for the three wise men, a symbol of hope, joy and peace. To them, the star was only a small reflection of the fullness of the Light of the world that waited them at the end of the journey. Through the birth of Jesus, we see the arrival of the Light in the world. God shows the star to us. What are the stars in our lives? What does God want me to do? Where does he want me to find Him, to serve and follow Him ? If we have the courage and the trust like those of the wise men, these can only lead us to God and His loving purpose for us Gold signifies our loyalty and fidelity to our Prince of peace. Frankincense symbolizes our prayers to the Lord our worship of him in our homes and in the church. Myrrh represents the gift of our sufferings, our forgiveness and sorrow when we share in Jesus' passion. We are all invited to discover the Lord through the different journeys in faith we undertake. But after encountering Christ we cannot return to our old ways. We must travel in a different direction by the way we live our lives. ReflectionsWhat are the gifts that I can offer the Lord? Our gift then to the father is to love Him and to love our neighbor. |
