Epiphany of the Lord Solemnity
Also Read: Mass Readings for 07 January 2024 Homily for 07 January 2024 – Sunday
First Reading: Isaiah 60: 1-6
Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. (1)
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. (6)
The prophet Isaiah had foretold Christ’s birth in detail many centuries before and the scholarly Kings found him. As we gather around the crib today along with the three Wise men; we must be able to marvel at the warmth of the little baby Lord born for us. The Light that emanates from that little manger must radiate in our being! We can admire the gold and frankincense brought by the kings but we must not be dejected about our own gifts! Wait! Have we prepared our gifts for the Baby Saviour yet?
Let us prepare our gifts right away. Be it talents, time, mercy, and wealth, let us bring the Lord worthy gifts. If we start now, at least at the end of the year this Christmas, we will find something fitting for our Lord!
We ask Mother Mary and St. Joseph to help us prepare, in Jesus’ name. Amen!
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 72: 1-2, 7-8, 10-13
Give the king your justice, O God, and your righteousness to a king’s son. (1)
May the kings of Tarshish and of the isles render him tribute; may the kings of Sheba and Seba bring gifts. May all kings fall down before him, and all nations give him service. (10-11)
Alleluia, Amen!
Second Reading: Ephesians 3: 2-3a, 5-6
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: (5)
At Pentecost, the Holy Word of God, the Good News, was revealed to the apostles through the Holy Spirit. We now live in an era of the Holy Spirit, therefore we are blessed. The Holy Spirit guided the early apostles, Sts. Peter, Paul, and all the others; were in communion with each other.
Let us ask for the Holy Spirit to guide our hearts today. Let us follow as He says! In Jesus’ name, Amen!
Gospel: Matthew 2: 1-12
Then Herod secretly called for the magi 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.” (7-8)
The three kings had already seen the star rise, but they didn’t expect the star to lead them! Herod asked for the details – but not everyone who wants more information may have the right intention! Being a powerful person does not guarantee that, that person will be one of integrity and honesty! Among the many lessons we learn from the Magi, we also learn that what we seek after and study about; we will receive. In Jesus’ name, Amen!
Happy Feast of the Three Kings, to everyone!
