REFLECTIONS ON THE WORD – 01/02/22 (The Epiphany of the Lord)

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Blessed Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord! Today, we remember the manifestation of our God, not just in Israel, but in the whole world as witnessed by the wise men. The magi from the east saw the star that guided them to the newborn King, Jesus Christ. They were filled with joy because as they followed the light from the star, they saw the God who entered humanity by choosing to be a little infant. Let's remember that as astrologers, they were experts with regards to the stars and planets. It was truly joyful for them to behold in their eyes the Creator of the stars, of planets, and of the whole universe. They gave three gifts as they adored Him, and these were the gold, myrrh and frankincense. Respectively, these gifts represent the royalty of Christ as King, His death for our salvation and His priesthood. The star that led them to Jesus represents the gift of faith that we receive from God, and the wise men represents the Gentile nations. Today, we can adore Jesus who is truly present in the little Eucharistic host in every Church and Mass around the world.

However, there are some people who do not revere our Lord because they simply walk inside the Church without paying any respect to the Tabernacle or the Altar. Even today, some people who participate in Online Mass or TV Mass find joy, not in prayer, but in using their cellphones out of boredom. Why do some people not have the same reverence and dedication similar to the wise men? Perhaps, they are unaware that part of the Catholic faith is that Jesus is truly and really present in the Eucharist. Many people are not aware that the King, who has the power to create and sustain everything in the universe, humbles Himself to be a little Eucharistic host out of love for us. Jesus Christ offered Himself as a High Priest, and He did not just suffer out of physical sufferings. He also suffered from our sins, including the sins of neglecting Him in every Mass and Tabernacle. 

Our Lord Jesus Christ is showing to us the importance of adoring Him in the Eucharist similar to how the wise men adored Him when He was an infant. When we bow in front of the altar and genuflect with our right knee in front of the Tabernacle, we praise Jesus as our King in our actions. It is pleasing to Christ, our High Priest, when we unite our intentions and offerings with His perpetual sacrifice in the Mass. Even though He suffered and died because of our sins, He had interior joy on the cross because of people who receive His graces in the sacrament of the Eucharist. And, may we always participate with devotion in an actual Mass, TV Mass or even online Mass, so He can enter into our hearts and grant us longing for His eternal kingdom. 

Amen +

 

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, be with us always until the hour of our death. Amen. +

 

May the Lord + bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen. +  

Reflection by: Dominic