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The Gospel Proclamation
In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem ... 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.”
Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. ... “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.” ... they set out ... 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. .... And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.
Gaze at Jesus’ Sonship
The Epiphany is the manifestation of Jesus as Messiah of Israel, Son of God and Saviour of the world. The great feast of Epiphany celebrates the adoration of Jesus by the Wise Men (Magi) from the East together with His Baptism in the Jordan and the wedding feast at Cana in Galilee. In the Magi, representatives of the neighbouring pagan religions, the Gospel sees the first fruits of the nations, who welcome the good news of salvation through the Incarnation. The Magi’s coming to Jerusalem in order to pay homage to the King of the Jews shows that they seek in Israel, in the messianic light of the star of David, the One who will be the King of the nations. Their coming means that pagans can discover Jesus and worship Him as Son of God and Saviour of the world only by turning towards the Jews and receiving from them the messianic promise as contained in the Old Testament. The Epiphany shows that “the full number of the nations” now takes its “place in the family of patriachs” and acquires Israelitica dignitatis (are made “worthy of the heritage of Israel”). (C.C.C. 528)
Gaze at my sonship
The first reading has its roots in the Gospel reading. God’s powerful hand that saw Israelites go out of bondage in Israel to the freedom in the Promised Land. He guides them through thick and thin in the desert. He is with us when we pass through deep waters or fire. He who was with the Israelites is with us. He tells us “Do not be afraid, I am with you.” Do we take Him to be the one and only Lord of our lives?
Prayer Starter
Lord of mercy and compassion! Help us to see You as You see us and tread the path shown by You.
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