About the Epiphany of Our Lord
Sunday January 8, 2023
Epiphany is celebrated on the Sunday between January 2 and January 8. The feast of the Epiphany of Our Lord commemorates when Jesus Christ was revealed as the Messiah. The Gospel of Matthew recounts that three wise men from the East visited our savior after his birth and acknowledged him with gifts representing kingship, priesthood, and death.
The readings for the Feast of the Epiphany of Our Lord tell of the revelation of Jesus Christ to all people. The first reading tells of a light in Jerusalem which all nations are drawn to. The psalm foretells kings bringing gifts. The second reading explains how God’s grace is now known to all generations and the whole world. The gospel recalls how the Magi came from afar to worship the child Jesus. It also recounts Herod’s jealousy and treachery.
The Feast of the Epiphany of Our Lord
- Sunday January 8, 2023
- Mass Readings
- Themes
- Follow That Star Lesson Plan
- St. Anselm’s Prayer
- Christmas Shopping with the Four Wise Men
- Social Media Graphics and Quotes
Homilies and Reflections
Daily Mass Readings for Epiphany Sunday
- First Reading – Isaiah 60:1-6: “Caravans of camels shall fill you, dromedaries from Midian and Ephah; all from Sheba shall come bearing gold and frankincense, and proclaiming the praises of the LORD.”
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 72: “Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.”
- Second Reading – Ephesians 3:2-3A, 5-6: “It was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: that the Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and copartners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.”
- Gospel – Matthew 2:1-12: “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.”
Themes for the Gospel
A discussion of what gifts we could bring to the service of the Lord is appropriate.
Also, the international aspect of the three Kings speaks to our common humanity and issues such as racism and immigration.
Extended themes are shown at the bottom of this post.
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Resources for the Epiphany of Our Lord
Follow That Star Lesson Plan
This Epiphany lesson plan will help youth understand that following Jesus means giving our whole selves over to him and leaving behind anything which is hindering us.
St. Anselm’s Prayer
This prayer asks to see what God desires for us. When we bring our gifts to the Lord, we want them to be aligned with his desires.
Christmas Shopping with the Four Wise Men
If you think your relatives and friends are difficult to shop for, imagine the Messiah! How did the Wise Men handle it?
Social Media Graphics and Quotes
You are free to share with a reference to young-catholics.com . Click on the image to download full size.
Rise up in splendor, Jerusalem! Your light has come, the glory of the Lord shines upon you. See, darkness covers the earth, and thick clouds cover the peoples; but upon you the LORD shines, and over you appears his glory.
Isaiah 60:1-2
The Magi set out because of a deep desire which prompted them to leave everything and begin a journey. It was as though they had always been waiting for that star.
Pope Benedict XVI
The Magi set out at the rising of the star. They teach us that we need to set out anew each day, in life as in faith, for faith is not a suit of armour that encases us; but a fascinating journey, constant and restless movement, ever in search of God.
Pope Francis
Homilies and Reflections
The Magi and the Spiritual Journey
The three wise men can teach us about about being attentive, taking action, facing opposition, giving our best, and being transformed.
Worshiping Jesus Is a Gradual Process
Pope Francis tells us that the Magi show us that we must look, go, and see.
Life Teen Summit Epiphany Reflection
Does the light of Christ shine in us so brightly so that others can see it?
Additional Themes
The appearance of the star and the visit of the Magi point us to the role of Jesus as Messiah. Miraculous events begin even at his birth.
Some scholars think that Matthew embellished a true story to make the point that Jesus came for the Gentiles also. The other Gospel accounts do not mention the Magi. However there is no evidence to the contrary.
Matthew shows us Jesus as a baby, weak and vulnerable. This is in contrast to the powerful Herod, who is so insecure at the news of a rival king that he orders every male child murdered. Even as an infant, Jesus shows us that political power will be at odds with the Kingdom of God.
Reflection Questions
- How do I respond to clashes between faith and power?
- Do I really believe everyone throughout the world can be a part of the Kingdom of God?
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