Jesus, Lord of All Nations, may the gifts we offer be worthy in the sight of God
EPIPHANY OF THE LORD (A) : Sunday 7th January 2024
Is. 60:1-6; Ps. 71:1-2,7-8,10-11,12-13;
Eph. 3:2-3a,5-6; Mt. 2:1-12 (Psalter proper)
“Arise, Jerusalem… above you the Lord now rises … the nations come to your light and kings to your dawning brightness” proclaims Prophet Isaiah. It is a joyous promising call for the people of Jerusalem and the nations too. We celebrate this revealing call of the Lord to all nations, represented by the three Wise Men. St. Paul fittingly describes this inclusiveness: “That this mystery that has now been revealed through the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets was unknown to any men in past generations; it means that pagans now share the same inheritance, … in Jesus Christ”.
The Wise Men see the sign of a star and steadily follow it. Herod and the people of Jerusalem, however, were stuck in their obstinacy. They were disconcerted when they realized that God choses to reveal Himself to outsiders and foreigners. So, Jesus is revealed not only as ‘infant king of the Jews’, but as Lord of the nations. The Wise Men fall to their knees and offer Him gifts befitting a king, a priest and a redeemer Who will stake His life for His flock. We are reminded in the offertory prayer, “Look with favour, Lord, on these gifts of your Church, in which are offered now not gold or frankincense or myrrh, but He Who by them, is proclaimed, sacrificed and received, Jesus Christ.”
May the gifts we offer be worthy in the sight of God.
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