"WISE MEN FROM THE EAST VISIT CHRIST CHILD"
First Reading: Isaiah 60:1-6
Second Reading: Ephesians 3:2-3
Gospel Reading: Matthew 2:1-12
* First reading is from the book of Prophet Isaiah. In this passage, the Prophet gives us a vision of the restored city of Jerusalem. In spite of darkness and gloom, the Prophet assures the people , that the Lord will come in splendor and glory and as a light that shines on the people. There will be great rejoicing and abundance of wealth in the land.
*Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Ephesians. In this passage, the Apostle, explains the universality of salvation, that God invites all - both Jews and Gentiles(includes all non Jews) alike to share on an equal footing the salvation won by Christ. All are members of the same body and co-partners in the promise of Christ Jesus.
"Manifestation of Christ Child"
Epiphany comes from the Greek work "epiphainein" which means to reveal. This points to the manifestation of Christ to all nations as represented by the three wise men (Magi) from the east. The three wise men came searching for Christ. They found Him, worshiped Him , and offered precious gifts. From that day, millions of people have followed them and came to Christ the Lord.
Today's Gospel reading is from St. Matthew. This passage gives an account of how the three wise men from the east came to Bethlehem seeing a special star. Guided by the star, they reached Jerusalem and went and met King Herod looking for some guidance from the king ;regarding the birth of Christ. Herod summoned his advisers and took their opinion. They referred to prophecies of old and told the wise men that the New King is expected to be born in Bethlehem. Hearing the news, the wise men left Herod's palace and went in search of the Child Jesus in Bethlehem. They recognized the Child Jesus, Mother Mary and paid their respects and offered their gifts: gold, frankincense and myrrh.
Three important messages are given in today's Gospel story:
1. It speaks of the journey of the three wise men from the east to Jerusalem a far away and unknown place in search of Christ Child. The journey of theirs is a symbol of the search for truth by genuine seekers of God.
2. The meeting of wise men with Herod tells us that people in authority and power symbolized by Herod , try to suppress and destroy truth and God's message and messengers.
3. The wise men reached Bethlehem and paid homage to Christ Child and received blessings. It is a touching story of all moments of grace. There is joy of recognition of God, and His presence and total surrender to God which is symbolized by their gifts: gold, frankincense and myrrh.
First Reading: Isaiah 60:1-6
Second Reading: Ephesians 3:2-3
Gospel Reading: Matthew 2:1-12
* First reading is from the book of Prophet Isaiah. In this passage, the Prophet gives us a vision of the restored city of Jerusalem. In spite of darkness and gloom, the Prophet assures the people , that the Lord will come in splendor and glory and as a light that shines on the people. There will be great rejoicing and abundance of wealth in the land.
*Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Ephesians. In this passage, the Apostle, explains the universality of salvation, that God invites all - both Jews and Gentiles(includes all non Jews) alike to share on an equal footing the salvation won by Christ. All are members of the same body and co-partners in the promise of Christ Jesus.
"Manifestation of Christ Child"
Epiphany comes from the Greek work "epiphainein" which means to reveal. This points to the manifestation of Christ to all nations as represented by the three wise men (Magi) from the east. The three wise men came searching for Christ. They found Him, worshiped Him , and offered precious gifts. From that day, millions of people have followed them and came to Christ the Lord.
Today's Gospel reading is from St. Matthew. This passage gives an account of how the three wise men from the east came to Bethlehem seeing a special star. Guided by the star, they reached Jerusalem and went and met King Herod looking for some guidance from the king ;regarding the birth of Christ. Herod summoned his advisers and took their opinion. They referred to prophecies of old and told the wise men that the New King is expected to be born in Bethlehem. Hearing the news, the wise men left Herod's palace and went in search of the Child Jesus in Bethlehem. They recognized the Child Jesus, Mother Mary and paid their respects and offered their gifts: gold, frankincense and myrrh.
Three important messages are given in today's Gospel story:
1. It speaks of the journey of the three wise men from the east to Jerusalem a far away and unknown place in search of Christ Child. The journey of theirs is a symbol of the search for truth by genuine seekers of God.
2. The meeting of wise men with Herod tells us that people in authority and power symbolized by Herod , try to suppress and destroy truth and God's message and messengers.
3. The wise men reached Bethlehem and paid homage to Christ Child and received blessings. It is a touching story of all moments of grace. There is joy of recognition of God, and His presence and total surrender to God which is symbolized by their gifts: gold, frankincense and myrrh.
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