The birth of Jesus was first revealed to the “outsiders” rather than the expected people. In the same way the revelation of the child Jesus in today’s Gospel passage, though it was to more influential people, was made to those who were neither Jewish nor citizens of the Roman Empire. This foreshadows the way in which the faith of Jesus could not be kept to the people of Israel but shone out for the Gentiles to see. We have been entrusted with the revelation of Christ as Saviour of the world and this cannot just be bottled up inside. Our lives must be illuminated by this light which shines in the darkness of doubt and sin, showing us the way and guiding others to follow the path to salvation.
I wish everyone a Happy New Year, Father Richard.
READINGS: First Reading: Isaiah 60:1-6 A reading from the prophet Isaiah. Arise, shine out Jerusalem, for your light has come, the glory of the Lord is rising on you, though night still covers the earth and darkness the peoples. Above you the Lord now rises and above you his glory appears... Second Reading: Ephesians 3:2-3. 5-6 A reading from the letter of St Paul to the Ephesians. You have probably heard how I have been entrusted by God with the grace he meant for you, and that it was by a revelation that I was given the knowledge of the mystery. | Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 71 O God, give your judgement to the king, to a king’s son your justice, that he may judge your people in justice and your poor in right judgement. Response: All nations shall fall prostrate before you, O Lord... Gospel: Matthew 2:1-12 A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew. After Jesus had been born at Bethlehem in Judaea during the reign of King Herod, some wise men came to Jerusalem from the east... |