The Epiphany of the Lord

Matthew 2:1-12

Have you ever wondered why the magi had gold, frankincense, and myrrh? Matthew’s Gospel tells us, “Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh” (Matt. 2:11). Why are these things their “treasures”? One possible answer is they were magicians and astrologers, and these three items were the tools of their questionable trade. In offering them to Christ, they demonstrate that they will cease using such items to predict or control life. They place this baby-king, the God of Israel, at the centre of their lives, and not their own devices of control, manipulation and prediction.

Isn’t that what we need to do, too? Consider, for example, the magical power of money, symbolised by the magi’s gold. Seemingly whatever we ask of money, it does. It wields a god-like power over the world. It can predict the future by guaranteeing better outcomes for us — which is why it is such a tempting alternative to trusting in God. The problem is such absolute trust in money enslaves us to the economic forces that make money so powerful. In paying homage to Jesus with “gold” (i.e., tithing), we participate in his authority over (and therefore freedom from) the magical sway of money. 
 
What things in your life do you use to predict or control your future? What in your life seems to give you power over the world? Those are your treasures. Are you tired of feeling enslaved to them? Find a way to open them and give them to Christ, and you will be freer.
— Father John Muir

LIVE THE LITURGY - INSPIRATION FOR THE WEEK

The news of the Messiah unsettled Herod. We see his anxiety clearly in today’s Gospel. This is what Christ has come to do, after all. He has come to shake things up. Are we ready to be unsettled?

 (PRACTISING) CATHOLIC - RECOGNISE GOD IN YOUR ORDINARY MOMENTS

By Colleen Jurkiewicz Dorman

The Answer

Have you ever had an epiphany?
 
I’ll confess that I’ve never spent much time reflecting on the term “epiphany.” In my head, there has always been a strict separation of church and state when it comes to this word. I think of the religious feast of the Epiphany, when we celebrate the magi’s encounter with the Christ Child, as totally distinct from our modern understanding of the ancient Greek word epipháneia, which means “manifestation” or “appearance.”
 
“I’ve had an epiphany,” I have said many times before, and what I mean is that I have come to a long-awaited realization. I have received the answer to a question which has perplexed me, perhaps troubled me. I now know what course of action I must take.
 
“Today is the Epiphany,” I say to my children when we make a king cake and bring the little magi figures to our Nativity beneath the Christmas tree (which will, after today, be put back into storage, for the Christmas season has come to its fulfilment).
 
And I’ve always thought I meant I was saying two very different things.
 
But today, I ponder the journey of the magi, one that must have often been treacherous and uncomfortable. I think about their meeting with Herod, a situation that certainly was fraught with tension and fear. And I imagine the feeling in their hearts as they approached the young Messiah and fell to their knees. I think of the peace they must have felt. The new, vibrant awareness of what their own purpose was.
 
It was an epiphany for them — a discovery of truth. An answer.
 
It should be the same for us.

QUESTIONS OF THE WEEK 

Gospel Question:  

The visit of the magi teaches us about God’s desire for the whole world know about his Son, Jesus. When do you first recall hearing about Jesus?  

1st Reading Question:

Isaiah foresees a time when the people of Jerusalem will be overwhelmed with happiness and prosperity. What gift could you receive that would bring you great joy?

2nd Reading Question:  

Paul informs the Ephesians that he received a revelation of God’s plan to save all people through Christ Jesus. What do you think makes your friends or relatives open to this idea?

WHY DO WE DO THAT? - CATHOLIC LIFE EXPLAINED 

Epiphany

Question:

Besides the Wise Men, what is significant about the Epiphany?

Answer:

Epiphany means “manifestation,” or public display. The feast is usually celebrated January 6. In the UK, it is celebrated on the Sunday nearest to January 6. It originates from a story unique to Matthew (2:1-12). Magi from the East come to offer homage to the newborn King, presenting him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
 
This part of Matthew’s infancy narrative differs from Luke’s account of the birth of Jesus. In Luke there are no Magi, star, nor gifts. Luke has Jesus being born in a stable after Mary and Joseph’s long travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Matthew seems to have the family living in a house in Bethlehem, where the Magi find them.
 
Why these differences? They stem from the needs and concerns of the audience the authors were addressing, as well as the theological stance of each author. Knowing the original intention helps get at the correct interpretation of the text.
 
Since Matthew was writing primarily to a Jewish community, his concern was to show that Jesus did not come just for Jews, but for Gentiles as well. From his very birth, Jesus not only manifests himself to Jews, but also to Gentiles, who are prominently included in the manifestation, symbolized by the Magi and their journey. This is the most significant aspect of the feast of Epiphany. How do you manifest Jesus to all with whom you come into contact?

 DEVOTIONS, EXPLAINED! – CONNECT WITH TRADITION AND GROW YOUR FAITH

Epiphany Blessing - January 5, 2024

The Epiphany household blessing is a centuries-old tradition that invokes God’s blessing on all who enter one’s home.

All you need for an Epiphany blessing is chalk, which is usually made available by parishes either on the feast of the Epiphany or in the weeks leading up to it. There are a few different formulas for blessings out there, but the essence of the ritual is always the same: a priest or the head of the household calls down God’s blessing on the house and everyone who comes into it, and an inscription is made above the door in chalk.

The inscription reads: the first two digits of the year + C + M + B + the last two digits of the year. The initials C, M and B represent the names of the magi — Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar — and also signify the Latin phrase Christus mansionem benedicat: “May Christ bless the house.”