The Epiphany of the Lord
02 January 2022
First Reading: IS 60:1-6
Responsorial Psalm: PS 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13
Second Reading: EPH 3:2-3a, 5-6
Gospel: MT 2:1-12
Reflection
By: Pietro S. Albano
With the three wise men's arrival, our Nativity Scene is complete! In today's Gospel, the magi offered our Infant Lord "gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh". What do these gifts mean? The lyrics of "We Three Kings" by John Henry Hopkins Jr. offer us an explanation:
Born a King on Bethlehem plain,
Gold I bring to crown Him again,
King forever,
Ceasing never
Over us all to reign.
Frankincense to offer have I,
Incense owns a Deity nigh:
Prayer and praising
All men raising,
Worship Him God on High.
Myrrh is mine; its bitter perfume
Breathes a life of gathering gloom; --
Sorrowing, sighing,
Bleeding, dying,
Sealed in the stone-cold tomb.
Whenever we give a gift to someone, it reflects the receiver of that gift. A suitor gives flowers to a girl because she is as lovely as those flowers. Parents provide a good education for their children because that would be the key to their bright future. The magi gave those gifts because these reflect who the Christ Child is: King, God, and Sacrifice. What was your gift to Jesus this Christmas? What does it tell of Jesus' value in your life?
Prayer
Lord, Jesus, thank You for Your word today. Through the prayers and example of the Three Wise Men, grant us a generous and grateful heart that we too may offer You the gift that You truly deserve and walk in this life by a different way, Your way. Amen.
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