Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord (Cycle A, Year II)
Community Word: True Christian disciples rise up and search diligently for Jesus, the Truth and the Light.
Theme: True Christian disciples look to Jesus as the star, our guiding light.
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:
One of the most beautiful scenes of the Christmas season is the picture of the Magi slowly approaching Bethlehem, guided by the star. Something entered their horizon which changed their lives and prompted their journey. Many of us may have special experiences which brought us to a journey towards deeper faith, deeper hope and deeper love. The “star” in our life can change us so powerfully when we begin to see the truth about ourselves, about others, and about God.
As true disciples of Christ, we embark on a spiritual journey towards a destination, guided by the star in our life, a journey of intellectually seeking a deeper understanding of God’s ways, a journey that every soul should make towards God. The end of the Magi’s journey gives us the confidence that if we follow His light and accept the grace God, we will come to a meaningful union, fulfillment and peace in Christ, the perfect light. The Magi recognized the star as a sign and followed it. If we are faithful to the graces given us by the “Star of Bethlehem”, we can draw near to the Lord. If we stay firm in our commitment, remain focused and keep moving on in the right direction, we will reach our ultimate destination and find our most treasured possession in Christ Jesus.
The Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord reveals the eternal future of the human family being united as one, when finally it finds itself gathered together around the Blessed Trinity in heaven. There is the realization that in our earthly journey, there are many defining moments that we experience which are really signs and glimpses of what has yet to come. The prophet Isaiah points us to the coming of Christ when he said, “your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.” (Is 60:1) and “after darkness covers the earth, the Lord will arise upon you.” (Is 60:2). Psalm 72 offers the realization of this promise: there will be justice and equity; the cause of poor people will be defended, needy ones will be delivered, all oppressors will be crushed, the lives of the weak will be saved and violence will end. There will be “abundance of grain in the land.”
Prayer:
The light has come; our hearts rejoice and are radiant with hope as we receive the promises of the gospel. It is this time of the year, when we celebrate the feast of the Epiphany, that the mystery of Jesus Christ is revealed, not to the elite few, but to the whole word. Thank you, O God of Light, our Star, for guiding those who look up to You and for listening to us every step of the way. We offer to all the unsearchable riches of Christ. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
1. What treasures can we offer to honor Christ?
2. What offerings can we give with joy and worshipful devotion?
This Week’s Daily Mass Reading Guide:
January 5, 2013 (Sun) Is 60:1-6/Ps 72:1,2,7,8,10-13/Eph 3:2,5,6/Mk 2:1-12
January 6, 2013 (Mon) 1Jn 3:22-4:6/ps 2:7,8,10,12/Mt 4:12-17,23-25
January 7, 2013 (Tues) 1Jn 4:7-10/Ps 72:1-4,7,8/Mk 6:34-44
January 8, 2013 (Wed) 1Jn 4:11-18/Ps 72:1,2,10,12,13/Mk 6:45-52
January 9, 2013 (Thur) 1Jn 4:1—5:4/Ps 72:1,2,14,15,17/Lk 4:14-22
January 10, 2013 (Fri) 1Jn 5:5-13/Ps 147:12,13,14,15,19,20/Lk 5:12-16
January 11, 2013 (Sat) 1Jn 5:14-21/Ps 149:1,2,3,4,5,6,9/Jn 3:22-30
“Ignorance of the Bible is ignorance of Christ. Read your Bible daily!”
