Catholic Mass Readings and Reflection January 05, 2025
The Epiphany of The Lord
05th January 2025 (Sunday)
Psalter: Proper
Reading of the Day
First Reading: Isaiah 60:1-6
Rise up in splendour, 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. Nations shall walk by your light, and kings by your shining radiance. Raise your eyes and look about; they all gather and come to you: your sons come from afar, and your daughters in the arms of their nurses. Then you shall be radiant at what you see, your heart shall throb and overflow, for the riches of the sea shall be emptied out before you, the wealth of nations shall be brought to you. 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.
Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13 (R. See 11)
R/. Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.
Second Reading: Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6
Brothers and sisters: You have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for your benefit, namely, that the mystery was made known to me by revelation. 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 Acclamation
V/. Alleluia
R/. Alleluia
V/. We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.
R/. Alleluia.
Gospel : Matthew 2:1-12
When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is the new born king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was greatly troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, He inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it has been written through the prophet: And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; since from you shall come a ruler, who is to shepherd my people Israel.” Then Herod called the magi secretly and ascertained from them the time of the star’s appearance. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search diligently for the child. When you have found him, bring me word, that I too may go and do him homage.” After their audience with the king they set out. And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way.
Daily Gospel Reflection
The Epiphany of The Lord
Guidelines: Throughout history, God has revealed Himself in various ways. However, when the appointed time arrived, He chose to unveil Himself fully through His Son, Jesus Christ.
1. Today, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord. The term “Epiphany” is derived from a Greek word meaning “to reveal.” It is a celebration of God’s revelation. Indeed, on Christmas Day, God disclosed Himself in His incarnate Son, the Saviour of humanity.
2. Yet, Epiphany signifies a distinct and extraordinary moment of divine revelation. On this day, the three wise men, also known as magi or kings from the East, visited and honoured the Christ Child. Through this act, God’s glory was revealed and made manifest to the entire world, symbolised by the presence of the magi.
3. The revelation of God through the Epiphany underscores that His salvation, made possible through the Incarnation, is universal. It is inclusive and does not discriminate. Though Jesus was born at a specific time and place, the grace He brings transcends all boundaries and limitations.
4. Consequently, Epiphany serves as a powerful reminder to reject all forms of exclusivity, discrimination, and sectarianism that foster division, hatred, and hostility in the name of religion.
5. God cannot be claimed as the exclusive possession of any individual or group. His grace is universal, and His revelation cannot be confined or restricted. Religion should not serve as a fortress to enclose God or a barrier to exclude others.
6. Therefore, the celebration of Epiphany is a resounding call to reject religious extremism and communal violence. It exposes the absurdity of individuals who, under the guise of religiosity, act contrary to its essence.
7. Such actions often degrade into inhumane cruelty, inflicting suffering upon others. These individuals arrogantly position themselves as self-appointed guardians of God, usurping divine authority and acting as if they were gods themselves.
8. In truth, God’s revelation has not reached the hearts of such individuals. In their efforts to project themselves as mediators of God’s grace, they, in fact, obstruct it. They resemble King Herod in the Gospel, who, upon hearing of the Messiah’s birth, felt threatened and schemed to destroy the incarnate God.
9. In contrast, the celebration of Epiphany invites us to emulate the wisdom of the magi. These men recognised Jesus as the Saviour and Liberator. They earnestly sought a personal encounter with Him, employing their knowledge, intelligence, and resources—such as scripture and astronomy—to discern His presence.
10. Their unwavering determination and openness to divine guidance, exemplified by their following of the star, led them on a challenging journey. They demonstrated profound humility and faith by kneeling before the Christ Child and offering Him homage.
11. The magi’s dedication was richly rewarded with the rare privilege of encountering the Saviour of the world—a grace denied to many in His immediate surroundings.
Practice: like the three wise men, we are called to embark on a continual journey towards God, marked by a spirit of search and surrender. It is through such a disposition that we can experience a profound and personal relationship with Him.
