The Church celebrates the feast of Epiphany in the first week of January. The word, “epiphany,” comes from the Greek which means “manifestation” and refers first to the appearance of the magi at Jesus’ birth. Jesus becomes recognized not only by Jewish people but by people from around the world. The Epiphany can also refer to Jesus’ first miracle at the wedding feast of Cana and his baptism by John in which he received the spirit and the words from God, his father, “You are my beloved son in whom I am well pleased.”
As we contemplate the meaning of these manifestations in Jesus’ life, we could recall how Jesus manifested himself in our lives. We could recall how we have been transformed from being a cultural Catholic into moments when Jesus manifested himself to us with words like, “You are my son or daughter in whom I am well pleased.” In claiming our own belovedness, we possess the grace to live a full Christian life bringing us peace and joy.
Let this new year be a time to have faith, choose hope and receive God’s love.
- What symbolic gifts did the magi bring to Jesus?
- What details of Jesus’ birth have special meaning for you?
- Are you able to claim your own belovedness as a result of your personal relationship with Jesus?
O God, help me to rely on Jesus’ love for me each day.The Church celebrates the feast of Epiphany in the first week of January. The word, “epiphany,” comes from the Greek which means “manifestation” and refers first to the appearance of the magi at Jesus’ birth. Jesus becomes recognized not only by Jewish people but by people from around the world. The Epiphany can also refer to Jesus’ first miracle at the wedding feast of Cana and his baptism by John in which he received the spirit and the words from God, his father, “You are my beloved son in whom I am well pleased.”
As we contemplate the meaning of these manifestations in Jesus’ life, we could recall how Jesus manifested himself in our lives. We could recall how we have been transformed from being a cultural Catholic into moments when Jesus manifested himself to us with words like, “You are my son or daughter in whom I am well pleased.” In claiming our own belovedness, we possess the grace to live a full Christian life bringing us peace and joy.
Let this new year be a time to have faith, choose hope and receive God’s love.
- What symbolic gifts did the magi bring to Jesus?
- What details of Jesus’ birth have special meaning for you?
- Are you able to claim your own belovedness as a result of your personal relationship with Jesus?
O God, help me to rely on Jesus’ love for me each day.