Gospel of the Day | On this Epiphany, how do the Magi’s example invite us to follow the light of Christ, share the joy of His encounter, and transform our lives to walk a new path?
The Universal Dimension of Salvation
Epiphany reminds us that the Good News of the Incarnation transcends the boundaries of nations and cultures. The Magi, wise men from the East, symbolize the universality of the salvation brought by Jesus. God did not come only for one nation or group but for all races, peoples, and nations.
Saint Matthew teaches in today’s Gospel that the door of the Christian faith is wide open for everyone. Yet, to reach God, guidance is essential—like the Magi being led by the star of Bethlehem—and we must be willing to make efforts. Their long journey, driven by a deep inner quest, reminds us of the perseverance needed to find divine light.
From the Star to the True Light
The star of Bethlehem, so dear to our hearts, had one mission: to lead the Magi to Jesus. Once its purpose was fulfilled, it faded before Christ, the true Light of the world. The Magi recognize in this child their King, their God, and their brother in humanity. By their offerings—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—they express this threefold recognition.
Kneeling before Jesus, the Magi teach us that encountering God requires humility and adoration. This encounter changes their lives: they return by another route, symbolizing the transformation it brought.
Sharing Joy with the World
The joy of encountering Christ cannot remain confined within us. Jesus, who came to save all humanity, calls us to share His peace and joy with others.
Like the Magi, we are invited to be bearers of light, testifying to God’s greatness through our lives and actions.
Saint Paul reminds us in the second reading that the Good News must be announced to all nations. As disciples of Jesus, it is our responsibility to let Christ’s light shine in a world often overshadowed by darkness.
A Prayer for Epiphany
Lord, on this day of Epiphany, we thank You for the light You have brought into this world.
Help us to follow the example of the Magi, to seek You with perseverance, and to be transformed by Your presence.
Make us faithful witnesses of Your light, so we may share it with those who need it most. Amen.
Scripture References
- Is 60:1-6
- Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6
- Mt 2:1-12
Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew
When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea,
in the days of King Herod,
behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying,
“Where is the newborn king of the Jews?
We saw his star at its rising
and have come to do him homage.”
When King Herod heard this, he was greatly troubled,
and all Jerusalem with him.
Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people,
he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.
They said to him,
“In Bethlehem of Judea,
for thus it has been written through the prophet:
And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
since from you shall come a ruler,
who is to shepherd my people Israel.”
Then Herod called the magi secretly
and ascertained from them the time of the star’s appearance.
He sent them to Bethlehem and said,
“Go and search diligently for the child.
When you have found him, bring me word,
that I too may go and do him homage.”
After their audience with the king, they set out.
And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising
preceded them,
until it came and stopped over the place where the child was.
They were overjoyed at seeing the star,
and on entering the house
they saw the child with Mary his mother.
They prostrated themselves and did him homage.
Then they opened their treasures
and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
And having been warned in a dream
not to return to Herod,
they departed for their country by another way.
For today’s readings, please refer to Vatican News.
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