Dear Friend,
In the Gospel for the Epiphany Sunday according to Matthew 2:1-12, we have to back-track a bit from last Sunday's Gospel on the flight to Egypt of the Holy Family. Please read it to your family (or to each other), and talk about its highlights to prepare you and your family for meditation.
Meditation ~
The wise men who came to pay homage to the newborn Child were from foreign lands. This means that Jesus is for everyone, not just for the Jews. He is also for us and we should respond to Him like these wise men did – they sacrificed to travel great distances and offered something precious to Him.
It was a "star," a sign that guided the wise men to Jesus. The wise men first came to Jerusalem and they became a "sign" for the Jews. The Jews failed to read the "sign."
Herod had the same sign but his response was dubious – it was the highest form of close-mindedness and selfishness. He felt his throne was threatened.
Those who failed to read the sign of the presence of Jesus, failed in their lives, too.
What "sign" will guide me to Him?
How will I respond to the presence of Jesus in my life?
Contemplation ~
Imagine yourself in the shelter where the Holy Family was when the wise men came. There were shepherds in their midst, simple people the likes of David as a shepherd. They also came to pay homage.
You see the excitement and joy of everyone, including Mary and Joseph as they cared for the Child Jesus.
Strange that His own people were not there.
Search yourself why you came and how the experience will touch you to respond to Jesus.
Joe & Charito
THE CATHOLIC ARCHDIOCESE OF MANILA'S
ONLINE RESOURCE FOR FAMILY MINISTRIES
www.simbahayan.org
servants@simbahayan.org
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