On Sunday, Jan. 5, 2014, we stretch still farther the celebration of Christmas with the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord. An “epiphany” is an appearance, a manifestation. In our readings for the Holy Mass (Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:2-3,5-6, Matthew 2:1–12) with their rising stars, splendid lights and revealed mysteries, the face of the Child born on Christmas day appears and is made known throughout the world. The Responsorial Psalm (Psalm 72:1-2,7-8,10-11,12-13) aptly describes the Epiphany with this acclamation: “Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.”
Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord, Jan. 5, 2014 (EpiphanyA)
From the Center for Liturgy at Saint Louis University
Sunday Mass Readings
Podcast of the Readings
Video of Reflections on Readings
Lecturas y Comentarios
Prayer of the Hours
BQ: Why do we say the Rosary at Catholic funerals?
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Questions on Sunday's Readings for use by discussion groups,
prayer groups, or for individual prayer.
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First Reading
Book of the prophet Isaiah, Chapter 60, verses 1-6
1. Even though darkness covered the earth, light and glory had come to Jerusalem. Isaiah wanted to make the Israelites take notice .Do you notice God’s actions in your life?
2. Does Jerusalem have light of her own? Are nations coming to her light or to the Christ-light? What do you think draws people to the Church today?
Responsorial Psalms
Psalms 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8
1. The Psalm says that 'profound peace' will flower when our newborn King arrives. Speak of what this verse means to you and how you gain inner peace and strength from the arrival of our Savior.
2. Our psalmist writes that the King will save the lives of the poor and rescue the afflicted. Give an example of how you have been healed by our Lord physically, spiritually, or emotionally.
Second Reading
Letter of St. Paul to the Ephesians, Chapter 3, Verses 2-3, 5-6
1. Just what was this manifestation that brightened the whole world? Why was a star an integral part of the story?
2. “It was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed…by the Spirit.” When did people first learn that God wanted to save all creation and not just a chosen people? Do you think God planned to keep this a secret or do you think God reveals things to people little by little? How does God work in your life?
Gospel
According to Matthew, Chapter 2, Verses 1-12
1. God sent the Magi a message, and they rode their camels across half the known world. What would cause you to put forth effort like this? What made the search worth it for them? For you?
2. Compare Jerusalem and Bethlehem. Compare Herod and the Magi. What does this say about the places and people God chooses?
Online Sunday Bible Study Group
Please share below your thoughts on the above Sunday Readings. May we be blessed by God's words as reflected in your thoughts and experience-sharing.
Our psalmist Solomon speaks about a perfect king –
ReplyDeletea king who judges like God,
governs his people with justice,
his oppressed with right judgment (Verses 1,2).
But where is such a king to be found?
Not likely among the kings of Israel.
This king is to live as long as the sun endures,
like the moon through all generations (Verse 5).
So there is a mystery about him.
“He rules from sea to sea,
from the river to the ends of the earth.” (Verse 8)
Verse 10 says, “The Kings of Tarshish and the islands
bring tribute, the kings of Arabia and Seba offer gifts.”
[as in the Gospel].
The more we read the Psalm,
the more it tells us about the Messiah to come –
“May all kings bow before him,
all nations serve him.” (Verse 11)
We see the light,
just as the prophet Isaiah said we would (1st reading).
In Verse 12 of the Psalm, the mystery is revealed to us,
poor in spirit though we are:
“ He rescues the poor when they cry out [as we do],
the oppressed who have no one to help.”
This is what our Good Shepherd Jesus is sent to do,
to shepherd God’s people (and that is us).
This is why we join the Magi in doing homage
to our newborn King and join with our psalmist in singing,
"Blessed be the Lord; Blessed be his glorious name."
Amen