January 5, 2025 – The Epiphany of our Lord

Our Great Journey

The theme is “Epiphany” based on Matthew 2:1-12 / Mateo 2:1-12

All pray the Sign of the Cross

Lord, our God, in a humble stable we see Mary and Joseph keeping watch over their newborn son. We see poor shepherds and animals whose manger serves as a bed for this baby, Christ our Savior. We are reminded of the happy truth of Christmas: “The word became flesh and made his dwelling with us.” John 1:14. We pray that our family follow the example of the Holy Family and always put God first in our priorities.

In addition to our prayers from the heart, our prayers for December are the Apostles Creed. Please pray these prayers daily to learn them.

Using the Bible, invite a family member to read the Gospel aloud.

Things to talk about:

A star in the night sky led the magi to Jesus. Share a time when you felt that God led you in a special way.
What does it mean to “do homage”? In what way do you do homage to Jesus?
The magi gave Jesus gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. If Jesus were born today, what gift would you give him and why?
We are like the Magi when we search for Jesus in our lives. Who would you ask to help you find Jesus? Where would you look for him?

Things to do:

Use the House Blessing Kit provided at Mass to bless your house today. Use chalk to write above the entrance to your home: 20 + C + M + B + 25. Ask for Christ to bless your home and stay with those who dwell there throughout the whole year.
Star Gazing – The star led the magi to Jesus. Gaze into the heavens and ponder the vastness and beauty of the universe that God created. Download a star gazing app (such as Sky View Lite or Star Chart) on each family member’s phone. Go outside as a family at nightfall and use the app to explore the night sky. Find the brightest star in the sky and imagine what it was like for the magi to journey to find Jesus. Invite one family member to re-read the Gospel story as you gaze upon the star.

Closing Prayer

Vocation Journey

Jesus receives gifts from the magi. Each of us has received gifts and talents from God. Pray this prayer together to help you discern your gifts over this year and open your heart to God’s plan for your life.

Jesus, as we begin this year, we open our hearts to you and place our lives before you. We are thankful for the many ways that you guide and take care of us. We are also grateful for the gifts and talents that you have bestowed upon us. As we journey through this year, help us to see more clearly the joyful plan you have for our lives and give us the desire to use our gifts and talents for your glory. Amen.

Name those who need our prayers.

Catholic Insights

The visit of the Magi occurs directly before the story of the Holy Family’s flight into Egypt. Matthew’s Gospel has a different version than Luke’s. Of the actual birth of Jesus, Matthew tells us little more than, “When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod . . . ” The story of the census is found only in Luke’s Gospel, but we hear about the visit of the Magi only in Matthew’s Gospel.

We know little about the Magi. They come from the East and journey to Bethlehem, following an astrological sign, so we believe them to be astrologers. We assume that there were three Magi based upon the naming of their three gifts. The Gospel does not say how many Magi paid homage to Jesus. In Matthew’s Gospel, they represent the Gentiles’ search for a savior. Because the Magi represent the entire world, they also represent our search for Jesus.

The gifts of the Magi are thought to be a foreshadowing of Jesus’ role in salvation. Gold is presented as representative of Jesus’ kingship. Frankincense is a symbol of his divinity because priests burned the substance in the Temple. Myrrh, which was used to prepare the dead for burial, is offered in anticipation of Jesus’ death.

The word Epiphany means “manifestation” or “showing forth.” Several moments in Christ’s early life and ministry have been celebrated as “epiphanies,” including his birth in Bethlehem, the visit of the Magi, his baptism by John, and his first miracle at Cana.

Did you know…. The letters in the house blessing stand for the Latin phrase Christus mansionem benenedicat, which means “May Christ bless the house.” It also is thought to be the initials of the Magi—Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar.

Resources adapted from 52Sundays.com, Celebrating the Lectionary, At Home with the Word, Celebrating Families, Sunday Connection