Gospel Reading: Matthew 2:1-12
We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.
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.
Saint’s Words:
That day, beloved children, on which Christ, the Savor of the world, for the first time appeared to the gentiles, is to be venerated with a most holy honor by us also... For that day is not past in such a way that the power of the work which was then revealed should be past as well.
--Pope St. Leo I: Sixth Sermon on the Epiphany
Epiphany Prayer:
O God, Who on this day did reveal your only-begotten Son to the gentiles by the leading of a star; mercifully grant, that we know You now by faith, may be brought to the contemplation of the beauty of Your majesty.
Lord Jesus, may your light shine our way, as once it guided the steps of the magi: that we too may be led into your presence and worship you, the Child of Mary, the Word of the Father, the King of nations, the Savior of mankind; to whom be glory for ever. Amen.
