SOLEMNITY OF THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD

In other years: St Raymond of Peñafort (1175-1275)

Readings of the day: RB Prol. 45-50

Mass: Isaiah 60:1-6; Resp. Psalm 72; Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6; Matthew 2:1-12

WE SAW HIS STAR AT ITS RISING. 

From Karl Rahner, The Great Church Year

Thrown down your defenses! The star is shining! Why shouldn’t we, then, believe and go on the journey? Why shouldn’t we look to the star in the firmament of our hearts? Why not follow the light?

A new year has begun. During this year, too, all the paths from east to west, from morning until evening, lead on and on as far as the eye can see, through the deserts of life with all its changes. But these paths can be turned into the blessed pilgrimage to the absolute, the journey of God. Set out, my heart, take up the journey! The star shines. You can’t take much with you on the journey. And you will lose much of it along the way. Let it go. Gold of love, incense of yearning, myrrh of suffering—these you certainly have with you. He shall accept them. And we shall find him.

                                                         

ON ENTERING THE HOUSE THEY SAW THE CHILD WITH MARY HIS MOTHER.

THEY PROSTRATED THEMSELVES AND DID HIM HOMAGE.

When the king of heaven was born, the heavens knew that he was God because he immediately set forth a star; the sea knew him because it allowed him to walk upon it;

the earth knew him because it trembled when he died; the sun knew him because it hid the rays of his light.

(Saint Gregory the Great)

THEN THEY OPENED THEIR TREASURES AND OFFERED HIM GIFTS OF GOLD, FRANKINCENSE, AND MYRRH.

What shall we let go of this year?

Let us offer it to the CHILD; HE shall accept it.