"MANIFESTATION OF THE LORD JESUS"
First Reading: Isaiah 60: 1-5
Second Reading: Ephesians 3: 2-3
Gospel Reading: Matthew 2:1-12
* First reading is from the book of Prophet Isaiah. In this passage Isaiah gives us a vision of the restored city of Jerusalem. He assures us that in spite of darkness and gloom the Lord will come in splendor and glory and as a light that shines brightly 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 Paul explains to us the universality of salvation. God is inviting every one - both Jews and Gentiles ( includes all non Jews)-alike to share on an equal footing the salvation won by Christ. He further clarifies that all are members of the same body and co-partners in the promise of Christ Jesus.
"Wise men from the east visit Child Jesus"
Epiphany comes from the Greek word "epiphainein" which means to reveal or to manifest. This signifies 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 graphically describes how the three wise men from the east came to Bethlehem after seeing a special star in the sky. Guided by the star they reached Jerusalem and went and met King Herod. They wanted some guidance from the king regarding the birth of Christ the Lord. Herod immediately called his advisers and took their opinion. They referred to the prophecies of old and came to the conclusion that the new king is expected to be born in Bethlehem. The wise men left Herod's palace and went in search of Child Jesus and found Him in Bethlehem. They met Child Jesus with Mother Mary and paid their respect and offered gifts: gold,frankincense and myrrh.
This Gospel story gives us three important messages.
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 three wise men 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: 1-5
Second Reading: Ephesians 3: 2-3
Gospel Reading: Matthew 2:1-12
* First reading is from the book of Prophet Isaiah. In this passage Isaiah gives us a vision of the restored city of Jerusalem. He assures us that in spite of darkness and gloom the Lord will come in splendor and glory and as a light that shines brightly 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 Paul explains to us the universality of salvation. God is inviting every one - both Jews and Gentiles ( includes all non Jews)-alike to share on an equal footing the salvation won by Christ. He further clarifies that all are members of the same body and co-partners in the promise of Christ Jesus.
"Wise men from the east visit Child Jesus"
Epiphany comes from the Greek word "epiphainein" which means to reveal or to manifest. This signifies 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 graphically describes how the three wise men from the east came to Bethlehem after seeing a special star in the sky. Guided by the star they reached Jerusalem and went and met King Herod. They wanted some guidance from the king regarding the birth of Christ the Lord. Herod immediately called his advisers and took their opinion. They referred to the prophecies of old and came to the conclusion that the new king is expected to be born in Bethlehem. The wise men left Herod's palace and went in search of Child Jesus and found Him in Bethlehem. They met Child Jesus with Mother Mary and paid their respect and offered gifts: gold,frankincense and myrrh.
This Gospel story gives us three important messages.
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 three wise men 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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