Happy Epiphany!
As Catholic Christians, Christmas does not end on the 26th of December. We celebrate the season of Christmas until the coming of the Magi, traditionally celebrated on January 6th, “the Twelfth Day of Christmas.” This day marks the visitation of the Magi to the Christ Child.
Most of us are familiar with the legendary presence of the “Three Kings” from manger scenes in our churches and homes. We can sing the words of the popular hymn “We Three Kings” from memory. We know the gifts they brought Jesus in the manger, Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh. Some of us may even know the evil plan of King Herod to find the Messiah and have him murdered. Do we know the true meaning of this Solemnity?
We are celebrating the Wise Men and their gifts, which is more then Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh. After the Wise Men paid homage to Jesus, they returned to their nations, no doubt telling their people, about the marvelous new King to whom they had been guided by a star. That early evangelization was a gift of the Magi too.
Nowadays, we can feel like strangers in a foreign land. The temptations, trials and burdens of the world can wear on us and make giving our whole selves to the Lord difficult. Like the Wise Men, may our eyes be fixed on Jesus. May we lay our gifts of time, talent, and treasure at Jesus’ feet. May we also go out and share the Good News of the birth of Christ to all those we encounter. And may the Lord continue to bless you and your families in this New Year!
Scripture Compare and Contrast
“Moses then took the blood, sprinkled it on the people, and said, ‘This is the blood of the covenant that the Lord has made with you in accordance with all these words.’”(Exodus 24:8)
“This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many.” (Luke 14:24)
When God chose a people for Himself, He entered into a sacred agreement with them called a covenant. This covenant is known as the Old Covenant and was sealed with the sacrificial blood of an animal.
When Jesus came to bring the promise of salvation to all the people, He replaced the Old Covenant with a New Covenant. This New Covenant was also sealed with sacrificial blood. It was not the blood of an animal, however, but the very Blood of Jesus Himself.