The Epiphany of the Lord

Today the Church celebrates 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 from 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.

Reflections on these readings:

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales: Sundays Salesian: Epiphany of the Lord (January 6, 2019)

Community in Mission: The Journey of Faith - A Homily for the Feast of Epiphany (5 JAN 19)

Crossroads Initiative: Epiphany Revealed - Three Magi Kings & Their Strange Gifts 

The Sacred Page: The Readings for Epiphany (3 JAN 19)

The Sacred Page: Epiphany: The Mystery of the Magi (The Mass Readings Explained) (31 DEC 18)

St. Paul Center: A King to Behold: Scott Hahn Reflects on the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord

Word on Fire: Following the Star (Solemnities * Epiphany)

Spirituality of the Readings: King? (Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord)

In Exile: A Different Kind of Bucket-List (Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord)

Let the Scriptures Speak: Lumen Gentium (Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord)

The Word Engaged: The Child Must Draw Us (Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord)

Thoughts from the Early Church: Commentary by Odilo of Cluny (Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord)