Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord (Cycle C, Year I)
Community Word: Like Mary, we are the light of the New Evangelization.
Theme: We are the light of the New Evangelization when we know, serve, and follow Jesus.
Promise: “Then you shall be radiant at what you see, your heart shall throb and overflow, for the riches of the sea shall be emptied out before you, the wealth of nations shall be brought to you.” (Is 60:5)
Reflection:
In the first reading, the prophet Isaiah declared… “Rise up in splendor, Jerusalem! Your light has come, the glory of the Lord shines upon you.” And as Christians, we know that the shining light is Jesus Christ. However, when Jesus rose up to heaven, He passed the ball on to us. And it is incumbent upon us to shine as witnesses for the transformation of others into the likeness of Christ.
A daunting challenge and great responsibility, surely, because many Christian sects and denominations continue to hold conflicting views and interpretations of the word of God, who is Jesus Christ, resulting in confusion, discord, jealousy and contentiousness.
However imperfect the Church may be, it remains, like our community Bukas Loob Sa Diyos, to be vibrant because it reflects the light of Jesus Christ.
The plan of God is for all mankind to be one regardless of race, creed, or color; to be one people of God in Christ Jesus, all following the same “star” to find the Lord. The non-Jewish Magi honored cultural traditions, stopping by to pay their respects to Herod but fixed their eyes on their mission as revealed by God. Recognizing the sign, they allowed themselves to be led to Jesus just as the shepherds, who were Jews, heard the message of the angels and made their way to where the Christ child, the personification of unity, peace and love, laid. Those who wish to follow the same star or hear the message of the angels to the shepherds must allow the Holy Spirit to lead us to Jesus, that we may embrace our crosses in life, know, serve and follow Him through our community’s mission fields.
“Go and search diligently for the child. When you have found him, bring me word, that I too may go and do him homage,”says Herod, whose real intent was to kill, not honor the child. The advice, however, is sound and one we should follow, but not with Herod’s evil intention, for the child Jesus who was born to die for our sins and pay the price for our redemption. We should continue to follow His star, and lead others to Christ, for indeed, He is the Way, the Truth and the Life.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus Christ, cause me now to be like the Magi who followed the star no matter the cost. Similarly, may I be open to the revelation of God, as I follow, seek and serve Jesus through our community. And, like Mary – the Star of Evangelization – may I never waver in prayer or in obedience to You, as I claim Your promise in Isaiah – “Then you shall be radiant at what you see, your heart shall throb and overflow, for the riches of the sea shall be emptied out before you, the wealth of nations shall be brought to you.”
Reflection Questions:
1. Are we open to the revelation of the Holy Spirit so we can be light for others?
2. How are we exercising our in this Year of Faith, so that others may come to know, serve and follow Jesus?
This Week’s Daily Mass Reading Guide:
January 6, 2013 (Sun) Is 60:1-6/ Ps 72:1,2,7,8,10-13/ Eph 3:2,3,5,6/ Mt 2:1-12
January 7, 2013 (Mon) 1Jn 3:33-4:6/ Ps 2:7,8,10-12/ Mt 4:12-17, 23-25
January 8, 2013 (Tues) 1Jn 4:7-10/ Ps 72:1-4,7-8/ Mk 6:34-44
January 9, 2013 (Wed) 1Jn 4:11-18/ Ps 72:1,2,10,12,13/ Mk 6:45-52
January 10, 2013 (Thur) 1Jn 4:19-5:4/ Ps 72:1,2,14,15,17/ Lk 4:14-22
January 11, 2013 (Fri) 1Jn 5:5-13/ Ps 147:12-15,19,20/ Lk 5:12-16
January 12, 2013 (Sat) 1Jn 5:14-21/ Ps 149:1-6,9/ Jn 3:22-30
“Ignorance of the Bible is ignorance of Christ. Read your Bible daily!”
