Generous Gift and Giver

Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord

04 January 2026

 

First Reading: Isaiah 60:1-6

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13

Second Reading: Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6

Gospel: Matthew 2:1-12

 

Reflection

By: Ma. Rosalina S. Flores

 

What gifts did you receive and give this Christmas?

In today's Gospel as we celebrate the Epiphany of the Lord, we heard how the Magi (Wise Men) brought gifts to the infant Jesus as they paid him homage. Each gift had meaning: gold symbolized Jesus as King, frankincense pointed to His priesthood, and myrrh foretold His suffering and death.

The Epiphany, however, is not only about the gifts. It is about the revelation of Jesus to the world. The Magi were Gentiles, showing us that Jesus came not just for a chosen few, but for everyone. His kingship, priesthood, and saving love are offered to all, without exception.

In the same way, Christmas is more than presents, food, and decorations. It is a celebration of relationships and encounters. As we continue this Christmas season, let us focus more on the relationships in our lives, those that are “organic,” as we might call them today, rather than the things that are carefully curated.

May we offer our presence more than presents, our genuine care more than gift cards, and our love beyond fleeting laughter, especially this new year.

Prayer

Father, thank You for the greatest gift, Your Son, our Savior. Help us to follow Your example by giving generously, not only in material things, but also in our time, kindness, and love. Amen.

Journeying With Hope

   

The Epiphany of the Lord

05 January 2025

 

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: Anton B. Ocampo

 

The Sunday after the Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God is dedicated to the very special celebration of the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord (although some places like Rome still celebrate it on its traditional date, January 6, regardless of what day the said date falls). This solemn celebration highlights the very long journey of the Wise Men, also known as the Magi, in search of the one true King who is none other than our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The Wise Men followed the Christmas Star, the Star of Bethlehem, as they journeyed in search of the Lord Jesus. 

The Wise Men did not need to make the lengthy journey from their place of origin in the East. When they arrived in Jerusalem, they went to ask Herod about the whereabouts of the newborn King, only to find out that he knew nothing about the Divine Child's whereabouts. In fact, Herod needed the chief priests and scribes to learn about it. At that point, the Wise Men could have just given up and returned to their country of origin. Everything was just a waste of time and effort for them. 

However, the reason why the Wise Men continued was because of hope. If we could ask them why they decided to continue on their journey, they would have probably said that they were still clinging to the remaining hope that they had in their hearts, even though it was little and fading at that point, for the Star of Bethlehem to appear once again to guide them to wish to the Child Jesus. If another group were in their place, they would have just given up, even if the Star of Bethlehem would show up once again to guide them. But not the Wise Men. The Wise Men were heavily motivated by the little hope that they had left.

Hoping in the Lord God is the theme of the readings for today's Solemnity. The promise of the Lord God to Israel featured in the First Reading are words of hope. The light of the Lord will shine through Israel, letting everyone know that He is the one true God who everyone must hope in and worship. Saint Paul the Apostle in the Second Reading stressed that God has fulfilled His promise in the Old Testament through Christ Jesus. By sending Christ Jesus as the fulfillment of the promise He made in the Old Testament, God has given hope to everyone. The Responsorial Psalm stresses our response to God should be - adoration and worship. By doing so, we strongly proclaim that God is our only hope, enabling us to completely trust Him.

Like the Wise Men, let us continue journeying our lives with hope. Let us allow the hope the Lord brings to fill our hearts to live according to God's will and calling - a life of holiness. 

Prayer

O Most Divine Child Jesus, we thank You for willingly filling our hearts with hope, even though we do not deserve it. Help us to accept this gift that You freely give us wholeheartedly. Amen.

God is with us always

    

The Epiphany of the Lord

07 January 2024

 

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: Jose Paulo Gonzales

Have you ever had someone inquiring after your affairs? This could be anything from an innocent check-up plainly curious about your current whereabouts – and this may come from genuine concern; but alternatively, there is also what Herod displayed towards the Christ to be born – an inquisitive prodding with hidden motives. Herod told the wise men to go into Bethlehem to see the Child so he may “come to adore Him”, which we later come to know is an incipient attempt at having Jesus killed shortly after His birth.

The Gospel today shows us that despite the different reasons people come to check on us, there is much Cause for rejoicing in the birth of Christ. I could remember Nathaniel asking challengingly, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” (John 1:46). We know Nazareth to be the place where Jesus grew up, and not unlike Bethlehem, Nazareth was a quaint town from which townspeople and village folks of then would not expect something good would originate.

The highest jubilation is only fitting for this eventful occurrence as the Savior that would bear all our sins, the One that would expiate our sins through His death, the One that would rise again to destroy the stronghold of death to win us salvation and eternal life in Heaven… He is here, Emmanuel: God, indeed, is with us.

Such joyous was the moment of Christ’s birth that it made little distinction whoever came. The urge to come must have been too significant that it mattered only little how worthy anyone felt about joining in! Such is Christ’s cohesive quality. Truly, people from different walks of life felt nonetheless welcome to witness and participate! The noble wise men, the shepherds, and even stable animals were all part of the heavenly entourage! Interestingly, the welcoming atmosphere surrounding Christ’s birth in the manger we would also find interspersed in the Bible… in the very language He would use to refer to and ultimately to invite us all – then, the Jews, and now, the Gentiles, too!

Scrolling through our Facebook or Instagram feeds, we could have seen the different ways the Christmas belen or crèche was set up – all embodying the fundamentals of Jesus’ birth, but some have been so enthused as to include today’s significant social events. I remember a belen that was pressed right in the middle of dilapidated slabs of concrete with steel bars jutting out – all to depict the wreckage of war – but more especially so – the undying presence of hope. The belen was posted on Facebook by Rev. Fr. Treb Futol and is situated in the Our Lady of The Pillar in Pilar, Sorsogon.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10160646264657928&set=pcb.10160646265462928

While different interests of today would instigate in some the drive to wage or prolong wars, may we never forget the always gleaming hope we have in Christ. This does not mean to diminish our hardships or mute them as if they are not felt or are not there. In this world, we will have trouble (John 16:33), and the poor, we will always have with us [which does not only mean financially poor but also the circumstantially poor – those impoverished by difficult encounters] (Mark 14:7); but if we do not give up, in due time with the Lord, we will reap our harvest if we continue to do good (Galatians 6:9-10) – to us, this means to step out in faith, spurred on no less by hope, ignited all the way by love. There is cruelty in the world not because there is an absence of God, but rather, there remains good however desperate it can get because God is here – with us, always… Emmanuel, Emmanuel.

Prayer

Lord God, thank You for the Present of Yourself this Christmas. If it were not for Your birth, passion, and resurrection, we would not enjoy living, whether here on earth or where we will settle for eternity if You will – in Heaven.

While living on earth, may we not forget to live for you and others; and in times we fail, please give us the drive, the courage, and the follow-through to restart and recommit ourselves to You and others.

May we live Christmas in our hearts as we live for You and Your beloved every day.

In Jesus’ most holy Name, Amen.

I want to see Jesus, again!

    

  The Epiphany of the Lord

08 January 2023

 

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: Anabelle Balla

 

The song “ Open Our Eyes, Lord” is one of my favorite Christian songs. It brings me to the deepest part of my soul, releasing my longing yo be in God's presence. To gaze upon Him and seek the comfort of His embrace. Please allow me to share the lyrics here. You can sing it or simply read it as a prayer and be filled with God's overwhelming grace.

Open our eyes, Lord

We want to see Jesus

To reach out and touch Him

And say that we love Him

Open our ears, Lord

And help us to listen

Open our eyes, Lord

We want to see Jesus

May we all start the year seeking and spending time with God. Let us allow the manifestation of Christ, His epihany, to happen in our life. These are gifts we can offer that will surely delight Him, and improve our overall well-being. 😊

I may have shared this same message before and I will continue to share again hoping you and others who are reading this reflection, will be blessed by Christ's epiphany.

Prayer

Father, thank You for Your presence. Allow us to bask in Your love, peace, and joy all the days of our life. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

The Receiver's Reflection

 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.

 

Feast of the Epiphany

 

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: Carlo Alexis Malaluan

 

Last Christmas season, I watched a 1985 classic movie entitled "The Fourth Wise Man". It was Martin Sheen who played the role of Artaban, the Fourth Magus whom like the other three Magi, knew about the upcoming birth of the Messiah. However, unlike the other three who did make their way to see Child Jesus, he missed the caravan but still continued to search for the Holy One. Years have passed and Artaban spent much of his remaining wealth to help the poor and the unfortunate he met along the way until at the end of his life, he met Jesus, the foretold Messiah, at his trial!

 

Oftentimes, we seek Jesus. We are on a long journey to look for Jesus only to find disappointments. Instead of Jesus, we met people who are not Jesus or even Jesus-like! We meet the poor, the hungry, the weary, the tired, and the unfortunate. They are not the images of Jesus we have in mind, but unknowingly, Jesus reveals himself to us in ways we cannot imagine and in people we do not expect. Of course, practically, we can no longer see Jesus in the household of Joseph but the experience of the Epiphany is always inviting to experience God.

As we celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany, let us thank the Lord for the Epiphanies in our lives. In our daily encounter with our neighbor and friends, in answered prayers, in our unexpected conversations with strangers we met along the commute, in storms and trials, and in subtle experiences of life, Jesus reveals Himself to us tenderly. And these are indeed life-changing.

Every encounter with God is life-changing just like as how the Magi in the Gospel changed their ways back home, never to return back to Herod. But we are also being challenged, how can we become Epiphanies to other people? Do our words and actions lead people to the encounter of God? Does our presence make other people feel God's dwelling? Let us strive to become bearers of God's love to others.

 

Let me share with you this beautiful prayer.

 

Prayer

 

Lord of All Nations, we longed to see Your face, to hear Your voice. We kept the faith and reached You in our prayer but too often, we failed to find You. And then, one day in time You placed Yourself within reach in the person of a child as vulnerable as any of us. King and peasant beheld You -- man and woman, slave and free, Jew and Gentile for You had come for all. "Epiphany" we called it --  a living manifestation of the God we call upon. We have since known other Epiphanies: we have met you in the faces of our brother, the grace of our sisters, the hand that reaches out, the heart that weeps for the other, in the strength of one who protects, in the gentleness of one who forgives. We have seen Your face. We have heard Your voice. As broken as we are, as scared and hollowed and sinful, may other see something of You in us, may they hear the sound of Your voice. May You be revealed to all nations, all peoples on earth and may Epiphanies abound. Be born in us, O Lord. Amen.

(Prayer of the Catholic Relief Services)

 

 

 

Huwag Basta Magpapadala

Epiphany of the Lord   5 January 2020

First reading

Isaiah 60:1-6

Arise, shine; for your light has come,
and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.
For darkness shall cover the earth,
and thick darkness the peoples;
but the Lord will arise upon you,
and his glory will appear over you.
Nations shall come to your light,
and kings to the brightness of your dawn.

Lift up your eyes and look around;
they all gather together, they come to you;
your sons shall come from far away,
and your daughters shall be carried on their nurses’ arms.
Then you shall see and be radiant;
your heart shall thrill and rejoice,
because the abundance of the sea shall be brought to you,
the wealth of the nations shall come to you.

A multitude of camels shall cover you,
the young camels of Midian and Ephah;
all those from Sheba shall come.
They shall bring gold and frankincense,
and shall proclaim the praise of the Lord.

                

Second reading

Ephesians 3:2-3, 5-6

Surely you have already heard of the commission of God’s grace that was given me for you, and how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I wrote above in a few words, In former generations this mystery was not made known to humankind, as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: that is, the Gentiles have become fellow heirs, members of the same body, and sharers in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.

Gospel

Matthew 2:1-12

In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.”

When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet:

‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,

are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
who is to shepherd my people Israel.'”

Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.” When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.

Reflection

by Nats Vibiesca

Hindi na yata nasasabik ang mga tao sa ngayon tuwing sasapit ang “Dakilang Kapistahan ng Pagpapakita ng Panginoon” o mas alam natin sa tawag na pista ng “Tatlong Hari" o "3 Kings”. O napagod na siguro ang mga tao sa nagdaang mga araw dahil sa sobra-sobrang komersiyalismo ng Kapaskuhan. Papaano'y Setyembre pa lang ay Pasko na agad ang feeling ng karamihan; pinipilit sabihing  “Ber na, malamig na ang simoy ng hangin, Pasko na talaga,” kahit dumaranas ng init at tagtuyot dahil sa El Niño at kinailangan pa ang Oratio Imperata para sa ulan dahil sa sobrang baba na ng lebel ng mga dam ng tubig. 

Sa panahon nga ng mga “ber months” ay bumibilis ang mga araw dahil sobrang abala ang lahat sa preparasyon sa Pasko. Todo-todo na ang selebrasyon hanggang Bagong Taon at halos hindi na rin napansin na dapat ipagdiwang ang role ni Mama Mary sa unang araw ng taon. Kaya naman bago pa sumapit ng unang Linggo ng Enero'y, tapos na sa karamihan ang Kapaskuhan at nakalimutan na nga ang Dakilang Kapistahan ng Pagpapakita ng Panginoon. Mas mahalaga na ang mga planong balik-alindog, pagkakaroon ng mga kalendaryo at planner na masusulatan, balik trabaho na agad, o ika nila'y “back to normal” na.

Pero teka muna! Hindi pa tapos ang pagninilay natin sa Kapaskuhan. Kung ang tingin nati'y nauumay na tayo sa mga regalo at ayaw na nating isipin pa ang mga regalo ng tatlong hari o tatlong pantas o mga haring mago, dumako tayo sa pagninilay ng gustong sabihin sa atin ng Diyos sa pamamagitan ng kanyang rebelasyon o pagpapakita ng sarili sa ating lahat. Hindi ba't ang paghahanap sa Diyos at pagkilala sa Diyos ang marubdob na hangarin ng ating buhay? Sapagkat kung matagpuan at makilala na natin ang Diyos ay saka natin Siya mamahalin at sasambahin. Para tayong mga tatlong hari na naghahanap sa Diyos mula pa sa malalayong lugar at dumadanas ng hirap sa paglalakbay makita lamang Siya, samantalang binigyan tayo ng biyayang kaalaman kung papaano matatagpuan ang Diyos sa pamamagitan ng pagsunod sa tala. Sa daan patungong sabsaban kung nasaan nakahimlay ang mapagpakumbabang Panginoong Diyos, hahamunin tayo ng mga pagsubok upang hindi siya marating, na sa una'y hindi pa natin maunawaan agad ang mga pagsubok sa buhay, pero sa huli'y ang Diyos mismo ang magpapaalam sa atin ng kahulugan nito. 

Hindi ba't ganito ang nangyari sa tatlong hari nang ihayag sa kanila ang tunay na intensiyon ni Haring Herodes? Sapagkat naging palalo at sakim ang mga naghahariharian sa ating mundo kaya't hindi matanggap ang totoong Hari, bagkus ninais na patayin agad habang sanggol pa ito. Ganito rin ang dinaranas natin sa ating panahon, na ang mga dapat na totoong lingkod ng bayan ay naghahariharian at mistulang napakaaamong tupa dahil pilit na itinatago ang tunay na intensiyong makasarili upang malihis ang ating tuon sa totoong Diyos. 

Tulad ng mga Pantas, maging mapanuri tayo at huwag basta magpapadala sa mga idinidikta ng mga nasa kapangyarihan sa ating bayan na sa una'y akala mo'y sa ikabubuti natin ang intensiyon pero nakatago pala ang masasamang balak at sa huli'y tayo rin ang nagdurusa. Bagkus, makinig tayo sa Diyos na magsasabi sa atin ng dapat nating gawing kabutihan para sa ating sarili at kapwa. 

Tulad ng pagkakakita ng tatlong hari sa pagsilang ng sanggol na Panginoong Jesus natin sa Betlehem at muling pagkakakita ng mga disipulo sa muling pagkabuhay ng Panginoon pagkatapos ng mahabang paglalakbay sa Emaus, na sa pamamagitan ng paghati ng tinapay sa hapag, matatagpuan at siguradong makikita rin natin ang ating Panginoong Jesus sa paghahati ng tinapay sa bawat Misang ating dinadaluhan. Kung buong pamilya ang laging nakikisalo sa piging ng ating Panginoon, ang buong Banal na Pamilya rin ang ating nakakasama sa hapag ng Panginoon.

Prayer

Panginoon, laging kasama ang tukso at paghihirap sa landas na aming tinatahak patungo sa Iyo, ngunit nagsusumaamo kami na ipadalang lagi ang Iyong grasya at patnubay upang makita Ka at makasama ng aming buong pamilya. Amen.

The Offering

 

“If the Magi had come in search of an earthly King, they would have been disconcerted at finding that they had taken the trouble to come such a long way for nothing. Consequently they would have neither adored nor offered gifts. But since they sought a heavenly King, though they found in Him no signs of royal pre-eminence, yet, content with the testimony of the star alone, they adored: for they saw a man, and they acknowledged a God.” (St. John Chrysostom, Bishop and Doctor of the Church)

First Reading: IS 60:1-6

Rise up in splendor, Jerusalem! Your light has come, the glory of the Lord shines upon you. See, darkness covers the earth, and thick clouds cover the peoples; but upon you the LORD shines, and over you appears his glory. Nations shall walk by your light, and kings by your shining radiance. Raise your eyes and look about; they all gather and come to you: your sons come from afar, and your daughters in the arms of their nurses.

Then you shall be radiant at what you see, your heart shall throb and overflow, for the riches of the sea shall be emptied out before you, the wealth of nations shall be brought to you. Caravans of camels shall fill you, dromedaries from Midian and Ephah;

all from Sheba shall come bearing gold and frankincense, and proclaiming the praises of the LORD.

Responsorial Psalm: PS 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13

Second Reading : EPH 3:2-3A, 5-6

Brothers and sisters:

You have heard of the stewardship of God's grace that was given to me for your benefit, namely, that the mystery was made known to me by revelation. It was not made known to people in other generations  as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: that the Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and copartners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.

Gospel: MT 2:1-12

When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, "Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage." When King Herod heard this, he was greatly troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, He inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.

They said to him, "In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it has been written through the prophet: And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; since from you shall come a ruler, who is to shepherd my people Israel." Then Herod called the magi secretly and ascertained from them the time of the star's appearance. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and search diligently for the child.

When you have found him, bring me word, that I too may go and do him homage." After their audience with the king they set out. And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way.

Reflection 
By Pietro S. Albano

We three kings of Orient are
Bearing gifts we traverse afar
Field and fountain, moor and mountain
Following yonder star

O Star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to thy Perfect Light

On this feast of the Lord's Epiphany, there seems be no other song more appropriate than "We Three Kings of Orient Are".  In today's Gospel, we read that wise men from the east arrived in Jerusalem looking for the newborn king of the Jews.  Naturally, Herod whom the Roman Senate elected "King of the Jews", was disturbed. 

The wise men offered gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The beautiful Christmas carol I mentioned above gives us a glimpse of what these gifts meant.

Born a King on Bethlehem's 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 most high

Myrrh is mine, its bitter perfume
Breathes of life of gathering gloom
Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying
Sealed in the stone-cold tomb

Take note that the gifts reflect not so much of the giver, but more of the receiver. At the closing of the Christmas season, what is that we can offer our Lord?  Something that reflects more of Him than us? Another Christmas carol ("In the Bleak Midwinter") comes to mind:

What can I give him, poor as I am? 
If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb; 
if I were a Wise Man, I would do my part; 
yet what I can I give him: give my heart. 

Poor as we may be, wretched our heart and life may be, He is here to console and heal us. Fear not then, but come and let's worship and serve Him!

Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, together with the wise men, I humbly approach You to offer my poor heart.  Use it, beloved King, for Your glory and for the good of Your people. Amen.

The Search is On

The Epiphany of the Lord

January 3, 2016

First reading                                                                             Isaiah 60:1-6

Arise, shine out, Jerusalem, for your light has come,
the glory of the Lord is rising on you,
though night still covers the earth
and darkness the peoples.
Above you the Lord now rises
and above you his glory appears.
The nations come to your light
and kings to your dawning brightness.
Lift up your eyes and look round:
all are assembling and coming towards you,
your sons from far away
and your daughters being tenderly carried.
At this sight you will grow radiant,
your heart throbbing and full;
since the riches of the sea will flow to you,
the wealth of the nations come to you;
camels in throngs will cover you,
and dromedaries of Midian and Ephah;
everyone in Sheba will come,
bringing gold and incense
and singing the praise of the Lord.

Psalm	Psalm 71:1-2,7-8,10-13

Second reading                                                                         Ephesians 3:2-3,5-6                    You have probably heard how I have been entrusted by God with the grace he meant for you, and that it was by a revelation that I was given the knowledge of the mystery. This mystery that has now been revealed through the Spirit to his holy apostles and prophets was unknown to any men in past generations; it means that pagans now share the same inheritance, that they are parts of the same body, and that the same promise has been made to them, in Jesus Christ, through the gospel.

Gospel                                                                           Matthew 2:1-12

After Jesus had been born at Bethlehem in Judaea during the reign of King Herod, some wise men came to Jerusalem from the east. ‘Where is the infant king of the Jews?’ they asked. ‘We saw his star as it rose and have come to do him homage.’ When King Herod heard this he was perturbed, and so was the whole of Jerusalem. He called together all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, and enquired of them where the Christ was to be born. ‘At Bethlehem in Judaea,’ they told him ‘for this is what the prophet wrote:

And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,

you are by no means least among the leaders of Judah,

for out of you will come a leader

who will shepherd my people Israel.’

Then Herod summoned the wise men to see him privately. He asked them the exact date on which the star had appeared, and sent them on to Bethlehem. ‘Go and find out all about the child,’ he said ‘and when you have found him, let me know, so that I too may go and do him homage.’ Having listened to what the king had to say, they set out. And there in front of them was the star they had seen rising; it went forward, and halted over the place where the child was. The sight of the star filled them with delight, and going into the house they saw the child with his mother Mary, and falling to their knees they did him homage. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh. But they were warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, and returned to their own country by a different way.

Reflection

By Anabelle Payod-Balla

Everyone is searching for something. Some may not be fully aware that they are searching for something and some may not even be aware of what they are searching for.  All of us may have been on both situations in different stages of our life. We are like lost wanderers or people who just go with the flow and allow others to push us to directions we don't even know. 

But there were also times when we exactly know what we are looking for. Finding it though depends on our faith and understanding of what's in it for us and for those we love. Our faith will fuel our actions, what we do to get to what we are searching for. If there is not enough faith, we may give it up when faced with difficulties or when confronted with conflicting priorities.

What are you searching for and why?

The three kings in today's gospel know exactly what they were looking for.  Their faith has helped them to go on searching until they've reached Jesus. And a great reward awaited them for God revealed His blessings through His most precious one, Jesus.

Let us pray for our own epiphany. May God reveal to us what He wants us to search for in this life and with His grace, may we find it in His perfect time. 

Prayer

Father, we thank You for giving us Jesus. With His help, we pray that You lead us to where we can fulfill our purpose in this life, the purpose that we need to search for.  Amen.