The Epiphany of the Lord

Our next Sunday is the Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord.

The Lectionary 20 readings are beautiful and moving.

Rise up in splendor, Jerusalem!  Your light has come,
the glory of the Lord shines upon you.

All kings shall pay him homage,
all nations shall serve him.

The Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body,
and copartners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.

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.

The Sacred Scriptural readings speak of the blessings all the world will receive when God is revealed to every person through his appearance and dwelling in Israel. The Chosen People dispersed among the Gentile nations will return and the Gentile peoples all over the world, even kings, will be drawn to Jerusalem to be closer to God and his Chosen People.

Part of the fulfillment of this promise is made real when the Magi give homage and gifts to the Christ child in Bethlehem.

Here are some themes this writer has developed to assist you in your homily preparation or personal meditation:

• Personal apostolate
• Christian service
• The Church, Sacrament of human unity
• Prayer for Christian unity