January 6, 2019 THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD-C

Isaiah 60:1-6

Psalm 72

Ephesians 3:2-3, 5-6

Matthew 2:1-12

…they departed for their country by another way.   Mt. 2:12

Lord, how beautiful is the story of the magi who followed the star to you.  They were the first non-Jews to seek out the long awaited Messiah and king.   These men were not children of Abraham.  Yet they offered gifts and homage to you as an infant.  This encounter changed them.  Anytime we encounter you we are changed, if we are willing to be changed.  As the magi went home by another way, we also cannot go on our way unchanged either.  Lord, transform my heart so I can make your presence known in a very hostile world.  Herod was intent on killing you because he did not know you.  Sadly he was not open to following the star to you.  Give me an “epiphany”, a manifestation of who you are and what you want me to be.  I want to give you the gift of myself.  I offer you all my prayers, works, sufferings and joys of this day.  I give you my talents, my pain, my hopes and my sorrows.   I lift up my prayers to you for all who do not know you especially those in my own family.  Amen.