JANUARY 08, 2012

The Epiphany of the Lord

Reading 1: Isaiah 60: 1-6

Psalm: Ps 72: 1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13

Reading 2: Epiphany 3: 2-3, 5-6

Gospel: Matthew 2: 1-12

Gift giving time

When I was a kid the Feast of the Epiphany was usually a second Christmas gift giving time. We used to place small paper bags on the foot of our bed the day before the Epiphany. The next morning we would discover toys, candies, or chocolates in those paper bags. My parents would tell us that Santa dropped by to place those goodies and toys for us. We would be so happy with all the things we received.

Now that I am an adult the Feast of the Epiphany is still a gift giving time, we recall the stories of the three Magi visiting the infant Jesus in Bethlehem bringing with them gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. One thing I am amazed of the story is not just the gift giving part, but the fact that these were foreigners from other countries who came to pay homage to the infant Jesus. It amazes me how Jesus, while an infant, brings hope not just to Israel but to all the nations. His birth gave a future and salvation to all of the world. I think this is the greatest gift God could give to the world, sending His son to be with us, to share in our joys, in our heartaches, in our journey in life. There was indeed a gift giving during the Epiphany of the Lord. The Magi bringing gifts to the infants Jesus and God giving the gift of His Son Jesus to all of the world.

Happy Feast of the Three Kings!

BR. RAYMUND E. BELLEZA, SJ

University Treasurer