Isaiah 60:1-6
Psalm 71(72):1-2,7-8,10-13
Matthew 2:1-12
SEEKING HIM WHO SEEKS US FIRST
Today’s feast of Christ’s Epiphany highlights God’s love for all mankind especially the unconverted, reminding us that many souls haven’t yet found or begun to seek Christ. The three wise men symbolize the pagan world, representing those without faith, many of whom are innocent of blame. Despite rapid communication, countless people still don’t know who Jesus is or what His name means. They deserve our love, prayers, and sacrifices, not condemnation.
The Holy Spirit can work in hearts unaware of His presence, as it did with the Magi, who saw celestial signs guiding them to Christ. However, astrology and occult practices are not legitimate for us today. God can draw all good-willed people to faith, even through faint signs like a star, symbolizing the light of faith given by God’s mercy. We should not dismiss those at early stages of faith, for their journey may take years of prayer and good example before God’s Spirit can work fully within them. Though astrology isn’t a map of life’s course, God’s providence guides our encounters and circumstances, which can serve His plan of salvation.
We are called to help others discover faith—what St. Therese of Lisieux called the “evangelical workers.” Blessed Josemaría Escrivá called “the apostolate of friendship.’ John Paul calls the artisans of the kingdom”.
Pope Benedict XVI will call them “coworkers in the truth’.
We are the three kings of the Orient of today. At Mass, we honor Christ our king using the gifts of gold-(chalice, candle stands.etc) to be the king of our lives. We offer him incense in praise to him who is our God. The heart of the Mass is the sacrifice, representing the myrrh. We are the kings, longing for Christ today everybody. We are the ones representing him who is the offering and the offerer.
If Christ is central in our lives, we should desire others to know Him, aiding their response to grace and embracing the Lord Jesus in love. As we are still on our faith journey, we deepen our love for Christ by sharing His message and encouraging others to find Him through kindness and generosity.
SPIRITUAL THOUGHT OF SAINT JOSEPH MARELLO
JANUARY 03
“Now I start.”
That is what the great teachers used to say, who have gone before us.Let us also repeat these words firmly and sincerely in the presence of God.
Fr Joseph Osho
