First Reading Isaiah 60:1-6
Jerusalem shall be a light to all nations.
Responsorial Psalm Psalm 72:1-2,7-8,10-11,12-13
Every nation on earth shall worship the Lord.
Second Reading Ephesians 3:2-3a,5-6
Gentiles are coheirs in the promise of Christ.
Gospel Reading Matthew 2:1-12
The Magi seek out Jesus and do him homage.
Background on the Gospel Reading
The visit of the Magi occurs directly before the story of the Holy Family’s flight into Egypt. Matthew’s Gospel tells a version of Jesus’ birth that is different than the one in Luke. Of the actual birth of Jesus, Matthew tells us little more than, “When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod . . . ” The story of the census is found only in Luke’s Gospel, but we hear about the visit of the Magi only in Matthew’s Gospel.
We know little about the Magi. They come from the East and journey to Bethlehem, following an astrological sign, so we believe them to be astrologers. We assume that there were three Magi based upon the naming of their three gifts. The Gospel does not say how many Magi paid homage to Jesus. In Matthew’s Gospel, they represent the Gentiles’ search for a savior. Because the Magi represent the entire world, they also represent our search for Jesus.
We have come to consider the gifts they bring as a foreshadowing of Jesus’ role in salvation. We believe the meaning of the gifts to be Christological. Gold is presented as representative of Jesus’ kingship. Frankincense is a symbol of his divinity because priests burned the substance in the Temple. Myrrh, which was used to prepare the dead for burial, is offered in anticipation of Jesus’ death.
The word Epiphany means “manifestation” or “showing forth.” Historically several moments in Christ’s early life and ministry have been celebrated as “epiphanies,” including his birth in Bethlehem, the visit of the Magi, his baptism by John, and his first miracle at Cana.
September 22: Twenty Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time -The parable of the Unjust Steward
September 11 – Twenty Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time : Joyful Finding
September 8 - Twenty Third Sunday in Ordinary Time : Hating our own life
September 01 - Twenty Second Sunday in Ordinary Time : Take the Lower Place
August 25 – Twenty First Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C : Enter through the narrow Gate
August 18 : The Solemnity of the Assumption of Our Lady into Heaven – Crown of Glory
August 11 - Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time: Being Faithful & Being Prepared
August 4 - Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time: The Fool’s Vanity
July 28 - Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time: Asked and Answered
July 21 - 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Serving God and Serving Neighbour
July 14 – Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time: What We Must Do
July 7 - Fourteenth Sunday in the Ordinary Time: I have a mission
June 30 - Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time : Free to Follow
June 23 - The Feast of Corpus Christi: the Living bread
June 16 - Holy Trinity Sunday: One God in Three persons
June 9 - PENTECOST SUNDAY
June 2 - SEVENTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
Mat 26 - SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
May 19 - FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
May 12 - Fourth Sunday of Easter: The Good Shepherd Sunday
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
Cast The Word
Let Me Be Frank | Bishop Frank Caggiano’s Podcast | Diocese of Bridgeport, CT
The Kingdom Power Fellowship Podcast
The Bible Recap
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)