Gift Giving

On this feast of the Epiphany the Church celebrates the revelation of the three wise men coming to see Jesus at the end of their long journey following the brightest star to the little town of Bethlehem. We are coming to a close to the Christmas season with just one more week, yet there is still so much to take away from the miracle that is the incarnation of our savior, Jesus Christ. You can find documentaries and studies about the star of Bethlehem and understand the astronomical significance of the positioning and development of the journey of the travels of the Magi, but what is most interesting is, as we read in the Gospel, their journey does not end with seeing the baby Jesus, it is only deepened. When we encounter the person of Jesus Christ, we are changed. The Magi knew this to be true for they decided to avoid King Herod on their travel home. They came, after a long and arduous journey, to give praise and adoration to Jesus, and they leave going forth now as evangelists into their home lands. One journey ends, and another begins just as God is the Alpha and the Omega. Christmas is commonly known as a time of gift giving, but what gifts are we able to give to God going into this new year? Encountering Christ is not limited to his physical body, for as we also read in Ephesians today, we are all called to the one body of Christ in which we enter through our encounters with our friends and family, through the proclamation of the Word of God, and most notably, through the Most Holy Eucharist.

Reflection: What journey for me has ended, and which has just begun?

Lord God, thank you for this day and everyday. Thank you for your love and mercy. Lord God, as we enter into this new year allow my heart to be opened, for me to be able to receive your Word in such a way that I may go forth and proclaim it to the masses just as the Magi came and saw you only to leave again with a newfound mission in their hearts. I pray, through our Lord Jesus Christ, your son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever, Amen.