KING OF KINGS

The Epiphany of the Lord

Matthew 2:10-11

They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother.

When we try to go to place that we do not know, we normally ask for a map. The map will serve us our guide so we can reach the destination at the least possible time, without the risk of getting lost, as much as possible.

Armed only with the knowledge written through a prophet – “And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah… from you shall come a ruler, who is to shepherd my people Israel” – and His illuminating star – “We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage” – the magi from the east embarked on a journey to pay their respect to the newborn King.

"The light that shone in the night at Christmas illuminating the Bethlehem Grotto, where Mary, Joseph and the shepherds remained in silent adoration, shines out today and is manifested to all. The Epiphany is a mystery of light, symbolically suggested by the star that guided the Magi on their journey. The true source of light, however, the "sun that rises from on high", is Christ."

"The shepherds, together with Mary and Joseph, represent that "remnant of Israel", the poor, the anawim, to whom the Good News was proclaimed. Finally, Christ's brightness shines out, reaching the Magi who are the first-fruits of the pagan peoples, signifying that Jesus is Lord of the Gentiles, too."

(by His Holiness Benedict XVI, 2006)

Let us pray +

Dear Lord Jesus, as You led the Three Kings to You by the light of a star, please draw us ever closer to You by the light of Faith. Help us to desire You as ardently as they did. Give us the grace to overcome all the obstacles that keep us far from You. May we, like them, have something to give You when we appear before You. Mary, Our Mother, help us to know Your Son.

May the transforming acceptance of Mary and Joseph, the imagination of the shepherds, and the persistence of the wise men guide us as we seek the Truth, always moving toward the Divine promise of salvation. Amen +

Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.