We saw the star!

The Epiphany of the Lord

Today’ feast continues to unfold the Christmas mystery, it highlights the revelation of God’s saving love in Jesus. In all three readings today we focus on the universality of God’s offer of salvation which is open to everyone. We are invited to celebrate this wonderful feast which is more than just a commemoration of the historical visit of the three Magi to the newly born Christ child.

The word ‘epiphany’ comes from the Greek word epiphania, which means ‘manifestation’ or ‘showing forth.’ In the Christmas season it is Jesus, the Word made flesh, who is shown as the light of all people (John 1:4). Historically there are other moments in Christ’s early life and ministry which are celebrated as “epiphanies” these are his baptism, by John in the river Jordan and his first miracle at Cana. 

In the Gospel, the Magi who are foreigners (Gentiles) and not Jews are drawn to the Saviour by the light of a star. These men are pagans, the do not know the teachings of the Jewish Scriptures and the prophets but still they find the Christ and they bow down and adore him.

We know little about the Magi. They come from the East and journey to Bethlehem, following the light of the star so maybe they were astrologers. In Matthew’s Gospel the Magi represent the Gentile’s search for a saviour and because they represent the whole world, they also represent us. The Magi were men of good will and seekers of the truth and were attracted by the light of Christ. Today we can ask ourselves if we are like the Magi, are we attracted to the light of Christ?

The gifts which the Magi bring also have significance, they are a foreshadowing of Jesus’ role in salvation. Gold is presented as a representative of Jesus’ Kingship. Frankincense is a symbol of his divinity because the priests used to burn it in the Temple. Myrrh is a resin used as a perfume/medicine to prepare the dead for burial. It is offered in anticipation of Jesus’ death.

This visit of the Magi unveils the truth that Christ came to redeem all of humanity. We ourselves are like the Magi on a pilgrim journey and need a star to follow. When the star came to rest “over the place where the child was,” its purpose of guiding the Magi ended, but its spiritual light is always present for us to follow in the Word of the Gospel. It is still able to guide every person to Jesus. As members of the Church, we are also stars that light up the lives of those who are still searching for Christ. We are called as Christians to illuminate the path of those who seek the Lord by what we say and what we do. We should always try to be actively following the light of the star, we must not be lazy or indifferent. Lord, by your grace help me to radiate the light and life of Christ. By the power of your Spirit make me a witness of love, truth and grace. 

A reading from the Gospel of Matthew (Mt 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.

The Gospel of the Lord
Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ

1. Read the Gospel story so that you are familiar with it.

2. Reflect on what the Gospel story is saying to you. Which points would you highlight and why?

3. As you celebrate today’s Gospel, think about the Magi who offered gifts to baby Jesus. What gifts do I offer Jesus? Am I truly on a journey of faith? Do I follow the right star, maybe there are other stars which shine brighter and I choose to follow them instead.

4. This week find some time to visit an Adoration Chapel, spend time in front of the Blessed Sacrament and pray that the Lord will teach you how to build your life on the sure foundation of God’s love. To root your life in this love and to give witness to the world as a child of God. 

5. Together with your family find the right time to read this Gospel. The environment helps, so before you start, prepare;
i. The Bible reading from St Matthew (Mt 2: 1-12)
ii. A candle
iii. Cover the table with a white cloth
iv. A computer/laptop with the reading and clips

6. Go through the steps with your children (2 age groups are being suggested)

7. Feel free to adapt to your situation

8. Be creative 😊

9. Go to the Prayer Corner section to continue praying as a family

Today we celebrate the feast of the Epiphany. On this feast we remember the wise men who came from the East, following a bright star to worship baby Jesus and brought Him their best gifts.

  • The wise men had to travel a great distance to find the baby King
  • We do not have to travel far to find Him- He comes in every mass
  • Recipe and instructions for Cheesy puff pastry stars
  • Star shaped pastry cutter
PrintoutDownload

When Jesus was born in Bethlehem Herod was the King. During this time some wise men (the Magi) from the East came to Jerusalem, and said, “Where is the child born to be king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have followed it so we can worship him.” When Herod heard about this new king he was worried and he asked the chief priests, “Where will the new king be born?” They told him, “He will be born in Bethlehem, just as the prophet Micah wrote many years ago.”

The wise men did not have a map to show them the way to Bethlehem, they had something even better. God gave them a bright star in the sky to guide them all the way to the place where Jesus was born. They followed the star which stopped right above the house where baby Jesus was with Mary and Joseph and the wise men were excited to see the baby with his mother and they knelt down and worshipped him. They took out the gifts which they had brought and presented them to baby Jesus. They were the best gifts that they could offer a king. Gold, frankincense and myrrh. Today people are still seeking Jesus, but we do not have to travel a long way to visit him. We do not need a map to help us find Jesus, not even a bright star. Why do you think that is? It’s because we meet Jesus every time that we go to mass and receive the Sacrament of the Eucharist. At mass we bow our heads in adoration and we offer Jesus our gifts (all the things we want to tell Him) and prepare our hearts to receive Jesus in the Eucharist. We will be just as close to Jesus as the wise men were when they followed that bright star. We can find our way to Jesus by praying and reading God’s Word in the Bible and by receiving him in the Eucharist. 

Sign of the cross.

Dear Lord, we seek you today because we love you and want you to come into our hearts. Thank you for the Magi who travelled far to honour Jesus with special gifts, help us to be like them and honour you with our special gifts. Amen

If you would like to celebrate Epiphany in a special way you can ask an adult to help you bake these really easy cheesy puff pastry stars which are a yummy snack. Do it whilst listening to this song.

Today we celebrate another feast in the Christmas Season, the three Magi (wise men/kings) seek out Jesus and they visit Him to worship and honour Him with their precious gifts. It is called The Epiphany of the Lord and we celebrate that God’s loving gift of salvation is for all people.

  • Jesus teaches us that we are to respect and obey our parents
  • We need to pray to God so that we become more like Jesus
  • Cinnamon Sticks
  • Glue
  • Tiny bell/ tinsel/ glitter glue
  • Ribbon/string
PrintoutDownload

Today’s Gospel reminds us that Jesus who is the Saviour of the whole world, was made visible to the Magi (wise men) who came from far away to worship and honour the newly born King. On the feast of the Epiphany, we celebrate the revealing of Jesus’ true identity as the Messiah.

Can you think of the names of any superheroes? If we were to write a list it would probably include Batman, Superman, Spiderman, Ironman, Cat Woman, Batgirl, Wonder Woman and the Hulk. There are many more whom we could add to this list. Apart from their superpowers they all have something in common in their stories. That is that their true identity remains concealed (hidden) in their daily lives, similar to the character of Zoro, no one knows who they really are. When a person’s true identity is revealed, the experience is referred to as an epiphany. This word means “showing forth” or “to make visible.” In today’s Gospel whose identity is revealed to the Magi? The answer is Jesus. The three Magi travelled from the East following a bright star all the way to Bethlehem to the place where baby Jesus was born. They did not know who Jesus really was but when they saw the bright star rise in the night sky they knew that its appearance meant something very important and they rode a long way on their camels following its bright light. They stopped at Jerusalem which was also the home of King Herod who was worried about losing his power to a new king. Herod wanted to know where the new King of the Jews was and persuaded the Magi to return and tell him where he could find the baby. Herod wanted to kill Jesus as he saw him as a threat. The Magi continued to follow the star to Bethlehem, and when they found the mother and child, worshipped baby Jesus and presented their gifts of Gold, frankincense and myrrh. The true identity of Jesus was revealed to them, He is the Messiah, the Word made flesh, who is shown as the light of all people. They were warned in a dream not to go back to King Herod, so they went home by a different route and Herod did not find Jesus.

The Gospel is important as it tells us that Jesus came into the world for the salvation of every one. The Magi were seeking Jesus led by God’s light, they were not Jewish people. Jesus is revealed to us too, and like the Magi we search for Jesus and offer Him our gifts, but we do not have to travel far. We are welcomed by Jesus every time that we receive Him in the Sacrament of the Eucharist at Mass. 

Sign of the cross.

Dear Jesus, thank you for being our guiding light. Thank you for the gift of your saving love which is for all people. Help us to follow the light of your love at all times. Help us to present our best gifts to you just like the Magi. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

If you would like to celebrate the feast of Epiphany you might like to make a cinnamon star decoration to hang on your tree or in your room, to remind you of the bright star which the Magi followed. (insert instructions), do it whilst listening to this song.

 More information can be found by following this link.

Coming soon.

How to use this space

God speaks to us in many ways, including through the Sunday Scripture readings. Here you will find useful background and activities to better understand the upcoming Sunday's Scripture readings, helping you to connect the Scripture to daily life in a meaningful way.