Epiphany of the Lord Solemnity
Also Read: Mass Readings for 8 January 2023 Homily for 8 January 2023 – 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)
Lift up your eyes and look around; they all gather together, they come to you; your sons shall come from far away, and your daughters shall be carried on their nurses’ arms. (4)
God the Father echoes his words through the prophet, concerning HIS only begotten Son JESUS. He came and lived among us, and then he rose again after his death. He now lives with the Father. But now when HE comes HE will come as Judge and the children of GOD will come together, ringing in the end times!
Will HE find us prepared?
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 72: 1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13
May the kings of Tarshish and of the isles render him tribute, may the kings of Sheba and Seba bring gifts. (10)
We may not have gold to offer Him, but we can offer Him the best of what we have! -Our hearts, souls, spirits, time, talent, and our whole life!
Amen!
Second Reading: Ephesians 3: 2-3a, 5-6
The Gentiles have become fellow heirs, members of the same body, and sharers in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. (6)
We bless and thank God for His mercies on us for He has gathered us into the same body. Through the prophets of old like Isaiah and Apostles like St. Paul, God has given us His promises.
Amen!
Gospel: Matthew 2: 1-12
When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. (10)
Do we see His star over our hearts today? Are we joyous or troubled? Can we direct true believers to His manger? Do we pay homage to him in our hearts? Or is resentment, greed, hatred, pride, lust, et al, crowding out the Little Divine Infant from our lives? May we clean up the mangers of our hearts to let the King of Kings preside and rule there. Through Christ who strengthens us, we can!
Amen!
