Epiphany
Readings
- Is 60:1-6 Jerusalem, your light has come: darkness covers earth, but God shines on you. Nations shall walk by your light; they come to you. They'll praise the Lord and bring you gold and frankincense.
- Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-13 "Lord, every nation on earth will adore you." The king shall govern with justice; peace will flower. All kings shall offer gifts and serve him. He shall rescue the poor and afflicted and have pity for the lowly.
- Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6 The mystery of God’s grace was revealed to me for your benefit. The Gentiles are coheirs and copartners in Christ's promise.
- Mt 2:1-12 Magi asked, “Where is the newborn king? We saw his star.” Troubled King Herod asked where and when he was to be born, then sent them to look for the child and bring him word. They followed the star, entered, did homage, offered gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they took another route back.
Pope Francis
Fraternity in the economy: Distancing from God and neighbor in pursuit of material goods has brought on the current financial crisis, where people seek happiness and security from consumption and earnings against sound economic principles. While our dominion over the world advances, we shouldn't let our humanity be subjected to the world and be manipulated (often imperceptibly) through the community, the production system, or social pressure.
Let's rethink our models of economic development, change our lifestyles, and rediscover prudence, temperance, justice, and strength, virtues to overcome difficulties and recover fraternal bonds, with deep confidence that we need something better than maximizing individual interests. These virtues are necessary for building and preserving a society in accord with human dignity.
Reflections
- Creighton: An "epiphany" is a discovery or insight that suddenly makes things clear. God's promise was made manifest; the seekers were led to the child. We can ask for the grace of an epiphany. God's love is revealed in the child born for us, as one of us, in poverty. Kneel and offer gifts: prayer, contemplation, an Amen, a life of worship and service...
- RC.net: The inn and parents were ordinary; the star was needed to manifest the lowly place. The wise men left everything and were led to Jesus, the Light and Wisdom of God. See the glory that attended the King after the magi followed the star; they adored the infant born as Lord, bringing gifts, seeing one thing with the eye but another with the mind: a crying boy, but God who took flesh for us. (John Chrysostom) God gives us the same light of faith. Do I show the light of Christ in my life and witness?
Music
Roamin' Catholic report
- Cantor, with piano|organ (depending on song) and violin, led assembly well.
- Hymns: Joy to the world, Child of the poor, We three kings, Go, tell it on the mountain (cf. above)
- Mass parts
- Psalm sung well, but tune didn't do justice to the exuberant text.
- Homily: Don't just wish "Happy New Year"; be an agent making it happy.
- Ushers/ministers of hospitality inconspicuous if present
(First for me: baptismal font with heated water, even though nobody was being baptized)
Apparel
- Star pin: star guiding the magi (gospel)
- Claddagh pin: crown for newborn King and magi/kings, color for gift of gold
- Scales of justice pin: justice shall flourish (psalm)
- Peace sign tie bar: peace shall flourish (psalm); Pope's peace message
Dress your life!
Apparel
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