The Epiphany of the Lord
“Behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem.” Matthew 2:1
I hope you had a wonderful New Year celebration. Can you believe it? We are already at the end of the first week of January. It is interesting how people by now would have given up their New Year’s resolutions. I hope and pray that yours still on. Keep up! Remember, everything is possible for the one who believes.
This Sunday we celebrate the wonderful solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord which main theme refers to the manifestation of the Lord Jesus to all nations. This solemnity is a reminder that baby Jesus has come to bring joy, love and mercy to the whole world and not just the people of Israel. This is revealed to St. Paul by the Holy Spirit that the Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and copartners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. This universality is symbolized by the magi who search for God and guided by a star they go to Bethlehem and find the baby Jesus in a little manger. They prostrate before him and offer gifts of gold, because he is king; frankincense, because he is God; and myrrh because he also a man. Once they do this, they go back to their homelands through another way. Their lives are renewed. This is also an encouragement for all of us to be open to all people. We all form Gods people and his mercy is given and manifested to all of us in Christ Jesus, our Lord and Savior. God Bless you.
Readings for the Week
Monday: 1 Jn 3:22 — 4:6; Ps 2:7bc-8, 10-12a; Mt 4:12-17, 23-25
Tuesday: 1 Jn 4:7-10; Ps 72:1-4, 7-8; Mk 6:34-44
Wednesday:1 Jn 4:11-18; Ps 72: 1-2, 10, 12-13; Mk 6:45-52
Thursday: 1 Jn 4:19 — 5:4; Ps 72:1-2, 14, 15bc, 17; Lk 4:14-22a
Friday: 1 Jn 5:5-13; Ps 147:12-15,19-20; Lk5:1216
Saturday: 1 Jn 5:14-21; Ps 149:1-6a, 9b; Jn 3:22-30
Sunday: Is 42:1-4, 6-7 or Is 40:1-5, 9-11; Ps 29:1-4, 3, 9-10 or Ps 104:1b-4, 24-25, 27-30; Acts 10:34-38 or Ti 2:11-14; 3:4-7; Lk 3:15-16, 21-22