Today we celebrate the Epiphany of the Lord. On Christmas night Jesus was revealed to Mary and Joseph and then the shepherds. These were all Jewish. Today Jesus reveals himself to the Gentiles in the persons of the magi. Tradition says they were three wisemen from the east who studied the stars and followed one to Bethlehem and the baby, Jesus. They brought him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. The gold signifies that Jesus is king. The frankincense emphasizes his divinity. The myrrh reminds us of his dying for our sins, since it was used to bury bodies. Even with the joy of Christmas, the cross is in the background.
I hope everyone had a great Christmas. I also want to thank you for all the well wishes, cards and gifts. I really appreciate your generosity and friendship. And now have a Happy New Year! How are you doing with your New Year’s Resolutions? Have you kept any? I hope you are at least praying a little more. Remember prayer is simply talking with God and listening to God as well. A one way conversation usually doesn’t do much, unless it is God speaking to you.
Isaiah tells us in the first reading today: “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.” That sounds a lot like our Gospel reading.
The Magi go to Jerusalem seeking the new born king of the Jews. King Herod doesn’t know what they are talking about and after consulting his scholars he sends them to Bethlehem. The star leads them to the Baby Jesus and they offer him homage and their rich gifts. The Jews and the Gentiles are together to worship the Baby Jesus.
In our second reading, St. Paul tells us “that the Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and copartners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the Gospel.” Jesus is the savior of all!
Let us continue to pray for peace in the world. Let us also pray for vocations to the church. Let us pray for the sick of the parish. Let us pray that all will come to respect life. Let us pray for one another and for the canonization of Father Tolton. Let us also pray for those who are victims of sexual abuse and mass shootings.
A Venerable Father Tolton Prayer: Father in Heaven, the Venerable Father Tolton’s suffering service sheds light upon our sorrows; we see them through the prism of your Son’s passion and death. If it be your Will, O God, glorify your servant Father Tolton, by granting the favor I now request through his intercession (mention your request) so that all may know the goodness of this priest whose memory looms large in the Church he loved. Complete what you have begun in us that we might work for the fulfillment of your kingdom. Not to us the glory, but glory to you O God, through Jesus Christ, your Son and our Lord; Father, Son and Holy Spirit, you are our God, living and reigning forever and ever. Amen.