The Feast of Epiphany of the Lord: A: January 8, 2022

 THE STAR AND THE THREE WISE MEN

First Reading: Isaiah 60: 1-6

Second Reading: Ephesians 3: 2-3 and 5-6

Gospel Reading: Matthew 2: 1-12

   *First reading is from the book of Prophet Isaiah. After the Babylonian exile, the people of Israel return to their homeland and find Jerusalem in ruins. Isaiah encourages the people with the vision of a restored city and the Lord God's glory shining on it. The Prophet promises that the scattered children of Israel will return to Jerusalem and multitudes of people will come from all corners of the world to worship the true God. They will come with gifts of gold and frankincense. Thus the Prophet alludes to the future manifestation of the Lord. 

   *Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Ephesians. Paul reveals the truth that God invites everyone - both Jews and Gentiles - to share on an equal footing the salvation brought by Jesus Christ. This invitation is for all people belonging to every tribe and tradition to accept the revelation of God's salvation. 

The three  wise men came to worship Christ                                                           Today's Gospel reading is from St. Matthew. A narration about the three wise men from the east, how they came to Jerusalem to pay homage to Christ- the divine child- is given. While the Jewish authorities fail to acknowledge Him, the three wise men from the east travel from darkness into true light. The sudden appearance of a bright star indicates the birth of a great and powerful leader. These wise men follow the star's course until they reach Judea. They go to Herod's palace expecting the new born king there. Instead, they find Herod who is wicked to the core. He seeks to kill the divine child. From there, the three go to Bethlehem and find the child in a manger with Mother Mary. They worship Him and offer gifts to the divine child - gold, frankincense and myrrh. When these wise men leave their gifts with child Jesus, they in return receive the gift: The gift of knowing who Jesus is. Thus they are enriched by their encounter with child Jesus.  The three wise men represent all those who journey in hope to Jesus and find in Him their heart's desire. Then they return to their own country. Faith in Jesus is not to be limited to any geographical or cultural boundary but is a gift to be shared with others.