Sunday Reading Reflections:

Sunday, January 3, 2010
The Epiphany of the Lord (Solemnity)

Reading 1 Reflection:

In biblical times, Jerusalem was the center of Israel's life as a nation because the Temple was there. Crowds of people went to Jerusalem from all parts of Israel. Today's first reading describes this holy city as radiating the light of God's presence to all the peoples of the earth.

Israel became a light to all nations. Seeing "the glory of the Lord," other nations recognize the one true God and bring gifts "proclaiming the praises of the Lord."

Reading 2 Reflection:

The author of today's second reading recalls how God's "secret," or mysterious, plan of salvation was suddenly revealed to him when he came to know Jesus Christ. He reminds the Ephesians that all people are called to be one in Christ Jesus and that the gospel must be preached to them.

Because Jesus was a Jew, some of his followers thought that Jesus' message was only for Jews. The early Church gradually came to realize that the message of Jesus was for everyone in the world. This was God's great plan!

Gospel Reflection:

As you listened to the gospel, did you hear any echoes of the Old Testament reading from Isaiah? Perhaps you noticed that in both readings people are being led by a bright light on a long journey. They want to see the Lord's glory and honor him with gifts (gold, frankincense, and myrrh).

Matthew tells us the story of the astrologers, or magi. They followed a star to find "the newborn king of the Jews." Today's feast is called Epiphany, a word meaning "manifestation" or "shining forth" like a light. We celebrate that day when Jesus, our Light, was first revealed to the nations beyond Israel. Just as light shines forth so that we may see in the darkness, our faith in Jesus shines forth in us.