JAN 8, 2023

SOLEMNITY OF THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD

Introduction

January 8, 2023

Good noon/afternoon, brothers and sisters in Christ. Today the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord.

The first reading is from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah. He awakens the people of Jerusalem by saying, "Rise up in splendor, Jerusalem! Your light has come, the glory of the Lord shines upon you."

The second reading is from the Letter of St. Paul to the Ephesians. St. Paul reminded the Ephesians that the barrier of estrangement between the Jews and the Gentiles was shattered by Jesus Christ. All are invited to form one single "People of God" under his headship.

The Gospel is from the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew. He narrates the manifestation of Jesus as King. the Savior not only of the Jews but of all human beings.

Let us all stand to begin the Eucharistic Celebration!

FIRST READING

Is 60:1-6

The glory of the Lord shines upon you.

A reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah

Rise up in splendor, Jerusalem! Your light has come, the glory of the Lord shines upon you. See, darkness covers the earth, and thick clouds cover the peoples; but upon you the LORD shines, and over you appears his glory. Nations shall walk by your light, and kings by your shining radiance. Raise your eyes and look about; they all gather and come to you: your sons come from afar, and your daughters in the arms of their nurses.

Then you shall be radiant at what you see, your heart shall throb and overflow, for the riches of the sea shall be emptied out before you, the wealth of nations shall be brought to you.

Caravans of camels shall fill you, dromedaries from Midian and Ephah; all from Sheba shall come bearing gold and frankincense, and proclaiming the praises of the LORD.

The word of the Lord.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13

R. (cf. 11) Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.

O God, with your judgment endow the king, and with your justice, the king's son; he shall govern your people with justice and your afflicted ones with judgment.

R. Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.

Justice shall flower in his days, and profound peace, till the moon be no more.

May he rule from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth.

R. Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.

The kings of Tarshish and the Isles shall offer gifts; the kings of Arabia and Seba shall bring tribute.

All kings shall pay him homage, all nations shall serve him.

R. Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.

For he shall rescue the poor when he cries out, and the afflicted when he has no one to help him. He shall have pity for the lowly and the poor; the lives of the poor he shall save.

R. Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.

SECOND READING

Ep 3:2-38, 5-6

Now it has been revealed that the Gentiles are coheirs of the promise.

A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Ephesians 

Brothers and sisters:

You have heard of the stewardship of God's grace that was given to me for your benefit, namely, that the mystery was made known to me by revelation.

It was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: that the Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and copartners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.

The word of the Lord.

GOSPEL

Mt 2:1-12

We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew

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, And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, for thus it has been written through the prophet: 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 appear- ance.

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.

The Gospel of the Lord.

Prayer of the Faithful

Priest: Encouraged and inspired by the example of the Magi, we present our gifts and petitions to the God who is the source of our Light by saying: LORD, LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE UPON US.

1. For the Church, the new Jerusalem to which the Lord calls all the peoples of the world, through the Pope, Francis, Bishops and Priests, may the Lord bless them to always be a resplendent sign of God's universal love. Let us pray.

2. For the government leaders, through the intercession of Mary, may be like the bright stars that lead people to Jesus. Let us pray.

3. For the members of the Christian denominations and the followers of all religions and cultures, may they be enlightened by God to participate in respectful dialogue and for the creation of a peaceful and just society. Let us pray.

4. For our brothers and sisters who thank and praise God especially, may receive the graces they need. Let us pray.

5. For the souls of our faithful departed especially, may the light of Christ shine upon them as they enter into his Kingdom. Let us pray.

6. Let us pray in silence for our personal intentions.

Priest: Lord Jesus, like Jerusalem, we rise up in splendor because your light has come. May our behavior become like a star that leads others to you who live and shine for ever and ever. Amen!