This weekend, we celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany, where Christ reveals himself to man. In our western Catholic tradition, this specifically relates to the visit of the magi (three kings) and thus, the revelation of Christ to the Gentiles.
As I was listening to Father deliver his homily, I was struck by the awesome responsibility that has been handed to us as recipients of the gift of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Gospel Mt 2:1-12
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.
But, the story does not end there.
Instead, the magi tell people about Christ. They DO something.
And so, our responsibility never ends...to quote Father Pat, "We have enough talent and grace to tell others, to announce Christ..."
So how do we do that?
First, by accepting the Gospel...
Second, by offering up to God the most precious gifts we have,
and Third, by telling others.
That might look like going door to door sharing the Gospel, it might take the form of collegians handing out tracts on campus, or maybe, it just might take a "quieter" approach that looks like a parent sharing the Gospel with their child in the home, or living a life that is an example of Christianity to our neighbors and co-workers.
"MAKE IT YOUR AMBITION TO LEAD A QUIET LIFE, TO MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS AND TO WORK WITH YOUR HANDS, JUST AS WE TOLD YOU, SO THAT YOUR DAILY LIFE MAY WIN THE RESPECT OF OUTSIDERS AND SO THAT YOU WILL NOT BE DEPENDENT ON ANYBODY."
1 THESSALONIANS 4: 11 & 12
(Our Family's New Year Resolution for 2012!)
Only you know how the Holy Spirit is moving you.
But regardless of "the way"...we are all called to announce Christ!
Wishing you a Most Blessed Feast of the Epiphany,
My daughter's gift?
Art. She loves to draw and sketch. And often draws pictures of the Cross, Crucifix, Saints.
During Father's homily (sorry Father Pat!) ;) she sketched this sweet drawing of our parish Nativity scene. I just love the little lamb and the tiny crown that she placed on Baby Jesus!
Linking up with Spiritual Sundays. Please drop by to read other beautiful, faith-filled posts.
