Sunday Reading Reflections

The Epiphany of the Lord (solemnity)
January 6, 2008


READING 1: 1 Isaiah 60:1-6Reading 1 Reflection:

What a vision the prophet gives us of the way life should be, and one day shall be! He sees a new Jerusalem bursting in the future with the riches and abundant life of the Lord. Pilgrims from every nation stream into the holy city to praise God, who has called them home. Their hearts throb with wonder, joy, and gratitude.

For Christians, the new Jerusalem is understood as a symbol of the universal Church. The Church gathers God's people from east and west, north and south, to worship together and present their gifts to the Lord.

Discussion Questions for Reading 1:

The universal, world-wide Church takes shape and lives its life diocese by diocese, parish by parish, and family by family. The "you" in this reading is each one of these groups that make up the Church. Read the first line of this passage together (up to "shines upon you,") and in place of "Jerusalem," say the name of your diocese. Read the line again, replacing Jerusalem with the name of your parish. Then read it one last time, with each one saying the name of your family.

"The glory of the Lord" is another way of saying "the presence of the Lord,"

in Hebrew, the shekinah (SH-KEYE-NAH). How does the presence of the Lord shine upon your diocese, your parish, your family? How do you see the presence of the Lord in these parts of the universal Church? As a member of a family, a parish, a diocese, how can you bring the presence of the Lord to these parts of the Church? How is your family, your diocese, and your parish open to the needs of the whole world? How do you express your care and concern for the whole world?

READING 2: Ephesians 3:2-3, 5-6
Reading 2 Reflection:

A message similar to that of the first reading is given to the people of Ephesus: the good news of Jesus is meant for all people, not just a few. All people are called to share in the promise of Jesus Christ.

The word "epiphany" means "showing" or "manifestation." Once the feast of the Epiphany, we celebrate that Jesus Christ came, not just for his own family, or his own tribe, or for all the Jews, but for everyone, Jews and Gentiles alike. (Gentiles are non-Jews.) This was part of God's plan. The Gentiles of that time did not know God. They believed in idols, or in "the Fates," or in the emperor of Rome. But now they had been "in the dark" long enough. It was time to bring them (and us, their descendants) into the light of Christ! That is what the feast of Epiphany is all about.

Discussion Questions for Reading 2:

This letter was written to the Ephesians. They were Gentiles. Imagine how they felt, being told that they were now "co-heirs with the Jews (God's chosen people) and sharers of the promise." They were no longer left out, but included. How can you carry this message of inclusiveness to your neighborhood, your parish, your school?

Gospel: Matthew 2:1-12
Gospel Reflection:

Today we celebrate the showing forth (epiphany) of Jesus to the nations beyond Israel. When astrologers, or magi, from the East saw a new star appear in the sky, they accepted it as a sign that a great leader had been born. Without knowing where the star would lead them or what they would find, the magi set out bearing gifts. Their faith and courage were rewarded when God revealed to them his own Son.

Discussion Questions for Gospel:

On our faith journeys, we, too, have to remain alert for the signs through which Jesus reveals his presence to us. His "stars" are all around us?in the beauty of creation, in the Church, in the arts and sciences, in the uniqueness of each person. How will you be alert to the "stars" around you? How can you let Jesus shine through you?