Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord

Today the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord. The assigned readings are Isaiah 60:1-6; Ephesians 3:2-3, 5-6; and Matthew 2:1-12. The Responsorial Psalm is Psalm 72 (Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-13).

For one version of the Responsorial Psalm set to music, please visit:

YouTube: Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 72 “Lord, every nation on earth will adore You forever”

The Gospel reading is as follows:

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.

Reflection on this feast:

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales: Sundays Salesian: Epiphany of the Lord (January 5, 2014)

Msgr. Charles Pope: From Magi to Wise Men – A Homily For Epiphany (4 JAN 14)

The Deacon’s Bench: Homily for January 5, 2014: Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord (4 JAN 14)

Dr. Marcellino D’Ambrosio: The Epiphany Revealed!

The Sacred Page: “Your Light Has Come”: A Look at the Readings for Epiphany Sunday (2 JAN 14)

Word on Fire: Sermon 678: Herod and the Magi: Feast of the Epiphany

Dr. Scott Hahn: A King to Behold (January 5th 2014 – Feast of Epiphany)

The Catholic World Report Blog: The Incarnation and the Call to Worship (4 JAN 14)

The Integrated Catholic Life: Into the Deep: God’s Search for You (5 JAN 14)

Spirituality of the Readings: Light to the Nations (Epiphany of the Lord A)

The Word Engaged: Defending the Child (Epiphany of the Lord A)