Epiphany

Epiphany (Español) (Vietnamese)

Our commentary this week is provided by Auxiliary Bishop John Dolan of the Diocese of San Diego. For a PDF version, visit http://www.christ-ion.com

Prayer

Loving Father,

in this Season of Christmas, may we celebrate the birth of

our Saviour, Jesus Christ. As the Magi offered gifts to the

Christ-child, may we give to you our hearts of faith, hope,

and love. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your

Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit,

One God forever and ever. Amen.

Commentary

1st Reading: Isaiah 60:1-6

If Christmas is the celebration of the birth of

Jesus the Christ, the Feast of the Epiphany

celebrates WHAT his birth means for us. Our

1st Reading gives us a hint at what this season means.

We read from Isaiah that God promises to shine His glory

upon Israel. Of course, this is fulfilled at Christmas with

the star over Bethlehem. More importantly, the promise of

nations walking by the light that shines forth from Israel is

fulfilled in the reading of our Gospel with the Magi from

the East who find the King of kings under the star.

In Christ, there is a New Jerusalem where all people and

nations are gathered. This will be realized in a more

profound way at our celebrations of Easter and Pentecost

where we speak of a Heavenly Jerusalem. But, for now, we

sing with Isaiah: “Rise up in splendor, Jerusalem! Your

light has come, the glory of the Lord shines upon you.”

As Christians, we are members of the New Jerusalem, a

beacon of light and hope for those who live in darkness.

Question

As part of the Heavenly Jerusalem, do you see yourself as

light of the world for others?

2nd Reading: Ephesians 3:2-3, 5-6

The WHAT of Christmas celebrated in this Feast of

Epiphany is also answered in our 2nd Reading. The birth of

Christ is not only for the people of Israel. While he is born

of David’s line, he is not only the king of the Jews. He is

King of the world.

St. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians spells this

point out clearly. He says, “The Gentiles

are coheirs, members of the same body,

and copartners in the promise in Christ

Jesus through the gospel.”

Jews and Gentiles, following Christ Jesus,

are coheirs in the new and Heavenly

Jerusalem. The Promise of Isaiah is for all

who follow the Prince of Peace, King of kings, and Lord of

lords.

Question

What does it mean for you to be a coheir with Christ in the

Heavenly Kingdom (the New Jerusalem)?

Gospel: Matthew 2:1-2

The Church in the West (Catholics, Protestants,

Anglicans, etc.) celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany

within the Christmas Season (on January 6 or the Sunday

following).

In the East (Orthodox Church)

Epiphany is the celebration of the

Baptism of the Lord -- also landing

on January 6.

The Catholic Church recognizes

Epiphany to mean the journey of the

Magi who followed the star to

Bethlehem. (Catholics also celebrate

the Baptism of the Lord after the

Feast of the Magi).

Epiphany means, “manifestation or

insight.” For Christians, the Feast of

Epiphany means “the manifestation

of Christ.” For the Eastern Church,

the Baptism of the Lord recognizes

the vision or revelation of God

through the parted clouds, in the

form of a dove who rests upon Christ. For the Western

Church, the manifestation of Christ is a slow journey

that takes time. This is best celebrated in the Church on

this Feast of the Three Kings whose journey leads them

to Christ.

As we read in the Gospel of Matthew, the description of

the journey and the question of discerning who the Christ

child may be is longer than the actual time the Wise Men

spend with “the child and Mary his mother.”

Question

Is your discovery of Christ a one time event or a life long

journey?

This Week's Task

What is a journey without a journal?

As you journey with Christ this year, you may want to

begin a journal. Write down a few notes about your

prayer experiences, your insights from Mass, or personal

reflections from Scripture.

The group sings or says the following:

What child is this who, laid to rest,

on Mary’s lap is sleeping?

Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,

while shepherds watch are keeping?

Refrain:

This, this is Christ the King,

whom shepherds guard and angels sing;

haste, haste to bring him laud,

the babe, the son of Mary.

So bring him incense, gold, and myrrh,

come, peasant, king, to own him;

the King of kings salvation brings,

let loving hearts enthrone him.

(Refrain)

The Prayer continues with Psalm 72

Response: Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.

O God, with your judgment endow the king,

and with your justice, the king’s son;

He shall govern your people with justice

and your afflicted ones with judgment.

R. Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.

Justice shall flower in his days,

and profound peace, till the moon be no more.

May he rule from sea to sea,

and from the River to the ends of the earth.

R. Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.

The kings of Tarshish and the Isles shall offer gifts;

the kings of Arabia and Seba shall bring tribute.

All kings shall pay him homage,

all nations shall serve him.

R. Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.

Conclude with an Our Father