Lessons for the Sunday Gospel: Jan. 3

Reflecting
In the middle of the season, a new kid joined a Little League team. At first, no one was sure how well she could play. But that changed after the first inning of her first game. She had hit a double and a triple, and she ran very fast. She revealed to the team and the fans that she’s a good ballplayer. Today’s Gospel is about the most wonderful thing that God has ever revealed to the world: The Messiah has come for all people.

Today we celebrate the Epiphany of the Lord. The word “epiphany” means to “show forth” or to “reveal.” In today’s Gospel, the three wise men show forth, or reveal, that God’s love and favor is for the whole world.

The magi, as people who are not Jewish, represent all the Gentile people (non-Jews) of the world. They not only give fabulous gifts to the Christ Child but they also give homage. That means that they give special honor and respect – in front of everyone. This revelation of God’s love is an epiphany, a “showing forth.” Matthew’s Gospel has continued to tell generation after generation about this moment.

As we hear this Gospel proclaimed, we are reminded that we, the Body of Christ on earth, are an epiphany for the world today. Like the new member of the Little League team who revealed her skills, we show to the others the love of God revealed in Jesus through what we do in our acts of love, kindness, and generosity toward others – all others.

Sharing Ideas
To give homage is to give public honor and respect. How do we give homage to Jesus?

Acting
Read the words to all the verses of “We Three Kings” and see how the whole song tells of Jesus’ birth, death and Resurrection.

Praying
Lord Jesus, may the things we do every day and the way we live our faith as Catholic Christians reveal your love to all people. Amen.

CATECHIST Magazine, January 2010
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