Reading I Is 60:1-6
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.
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.
Refection for today:
Today the Magi come to visit Jesus, Mary, and Joseph and offers him gifts. The most blessed gift of this day is that people from every nation and place are welcomed at the house of Jesus, we need to take to heart this awesome gift that Jesus shows us in the feast of the Epiphany!
What can we reflect on this day – how am I a welcoming person and how do I show hospitality to those who may be different than myself? How do I like the shepherds at the crib of Jesus rise in splendor and reveal the breathtaking light of Christ to others?
How do I accept the precious gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the one who loves and care for us in all our troubles and joys?
Let us reflect on this awesome solemnity of the Magi, and what gifts today can I give to others, especially during this pandemic.
Peace and all good,
Brother Ed Arambasich, OFM