Solemnity of the Epiphany (Matthew 2:1-12)
The story of the magi carries with it an extraordinary richness. The evangelist teaches us about the mission of the Son of God. Jesus is ‘made manifest’ (epiphany = manifestation) as Messiah not only for his own people, but for those who come ‘from the east’, for all the peoples of the earth. At the same time this is the Messiah heralded by prophets. The Scriptures are fulfilled. The Messiah is born into danger, as the cruel tyrant, known to history as ‘Herod the Great’, is the first to threaten his life. The gift of myrrh alludes to the death he is to suffer. The presentation of gifts from the peoples of the world completes the Christmas scene. The Magi represent the nations, but also the age-old quest among the peoples of the earth for true Wisdom. This wisdom is found in Christ.
What lies at the heart of the epiphany story?
How is Matthew preparing us for later events in the gospel story?
Let us rejoice with the peoples of the whole world that God’s love has been revealed in the birth of Jesus.
We pray for a growing solidarity with those all over the world who suffer.
The Baptism of the Lord (Luke 3:15-16,21-22)
We conclude the Christmas season with the event that begins Jesus’ public ministry. Luke presents the baptism of Jesus in a unique way. He hardly mentions the baptism itself but concentrates on the manifestation of the Spirit and of the voice heard. As so often in the Gospel of Luke, Jesus is presented as praying after his baptism. It is as if he is at prayer as he awaits the coming of the Holy Spirit. Most remarkable is Luke’s description of the Spirit ‘in bodily form’, whereby the evangelist insists on the reality of the Spirit’s presence. The vision is seen by all, and the voice is heard by all.
Why did Jesus seek baptism from John?
How similar is John’s baptism to that of Jesus?
Let us seek renewal of the grace of our own baptism.
Let us prepare to accompany Jesus in Luke’s story of his ministry in the coming weeks.
Second Sunday in Ordinary Time (John 2:1-12)
In today’s Gospel, Jesus lets ‘his glory be seen’. The transformation of water into wine, tells us that Jesus brings a new time, a time of richness and fulfilment. The role of the mother of Jesus, is significant. As in the stories of Jesus’ birth, she collaborates with God’s ways in a humble and self-giving manner. She is the woman of the new covenant, as Eve was the woman of the old.
What is the role of the mother of Jesus in the events of our salvation?
What do I take away from the Christmas season as ordinary time tales over?
Pray for the vision t, see the hidden glory of God in today’s world.
Pray for those who are searching for the signs of God’s presence.
Third Sunday in Ordinary Time (Luke 1:1-4,4:14-21)
Jesus reads from the book of Isaiah at the sabbath service and declares that the text he reads is being fulfilled. Jesus is the long-awaited anointed one of God. He brings ‘good news to the poor’.
What can we deduce from this gospel about how the gospels came to be written?
What do you understand by the word ‘fulfilment’?
Let us pray that our hearts will be open to new insights as we begin to read Luke.
Let us pray that we ourselves may be ‘good news to the poor’
Fr Adrian Graffy