This week's theme: Matthew 2:1-12 The Epiphany of the Lord

From the desk of Ms. Kathleen Cook, Director of Religious Education

Praying that you and your family will be blessed with the gifts of love, peace and good health on the Epiphany of the Lord and always!

Love and Blessings,

                            Mrs. Cindy Perea and Ms. Kathleen Cook
 
Theme: Matthew 2:1-12 The Epiphany of the Lord: The Magi seek out Jesus and do him homage.

Summary: The gospel speaks of those earnestly seeking the newborn king. Those searching are from outside the nation of Israel, the Gentiles. The magi represent the nations of the world seeking the light and are guided by a star. Interestingly, there were those who had already had been chosen and called by God and they felt that they had no need to search for this Messiah. King Herod feared for his throne, though his fear was unwarranted, given that Jesus was to be a different kind of king. There seems to be a truth about human nature and it that we can easily become locked into our own way of thinking and not allow the least bit of new light to enter into our lives. God is ever seeking to allow new light to seep into our lives in order to see God more clearly. The truth is we must make ourselves available to the light and seek unity among others from various nations, races and creeds. This is God’s will: unity.

Scripture: After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him." Matthew 2:1-2 
 
After Jesus was born, some wise men, also called Magi, saw a star in the sky that they believed announced the birth of a king. They traveled to Jerusalem and began to ask, "Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him."

Herod heard about the Magi and their search for a king and he was deeply disturbed. He called a meeting of the priests and teachers of religious law and asked, "Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?" The priests told Herod that the prophet Micah had written that the Messiah was to be born in Bethlehem. So Herod called for private meeting with the wise men and said to them, "Go to Bethlehem and search carefully for the child. And when you find him, come back and tell me so that I can go and worship him, too!"

Dear Jesus, we seek you today because we want to worship you and crown you as our King. We are thankful for Padre Steve, Father Jeronimo, Deacon Raul, religion teachers and Catechists who want to help us, and we are thankful for the Bible which we have been given to lead us to you. Amen.   

www.sermons4kids.com
 Key Words in Today’s Readings: www.livingwithchrist.us
First Reading: Isaiah 60:1-6

Epiphany is a Greek word that means “unveiling” or “revelation.” God revealed his love for all people by       sending us his Son, Jesus, as a human being---as a baby.   
Midian, Ephah, and Sheba were three ancient kingdoms near Israel. In the Book of Isaiah in the Bible, they         represent all the nations outside Israel.
Second Reading: Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6
The Ephesians were a group of Christians in the city of Ephesus. A letter Saint Paul wrote to them is now j part of the Bible. Ephesus is located in modern-day Turkey.
A mystery is something that is very hard to understand. In Saint Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, the mystery Paul speaks of is God’s plan to create a human community in Christ.
To know something by revelation means that God has shown or given someone this knowledge. It is not known by human means.
Gospel: Matthew 2:1-12
Bethlehem of Judea is the city of King David, one of Jesus’ ancestors. Joseph and Mary went to Bethlehem for a census (an official counting of all the people). Jesus was born during their stay there.
To pay someone homage is to show your respect or honor for them in a public way, such as by bowing or bringing gifts.
Gold, frankincense, and myrrh were three very expensive gifts: gold is a precious metal; frankincense and myrrh are rare, sweet-smelling incenses.
My Promise to Jesus: Jesus, the three kings gave gifts to honor you. This week, I will share my toys or my treats with someone else.
Reflect: If a word or phrase from the Gospel captures your heart, sit quietly for several minutes, repeating it to yourself and asking God to show you how it applies to your life. When I look around at the world’s problems, where could you make a difference? What steps can you take to get started this week?    www.smp.org
 
Suggested book that compliments today’s Gospel:
http://scu.edu/character/build-plant-grow/
Dear Children of the Earth: A letter from Home
Written by Schim Schimmel
ISBN: 13:978-1559712255
Pray that you will see the unique gifts God has given to you and the unique image of God that you are. Pray that you will use those gifts and talents joined with those of others to do something beautiful for God .
Family Discussion: The tradition of giving gifts at Christmas is thought by some to be rooted in the gift giving of the Magi. In many cultures, gifts are not exchanged at Christmas, but rather on the feast of the Epiphany. Whenever you exchange your Christmas gifts, take some time to reflect on this tradition of gift giving at Christmas. Think of the best gift you have received. What was it? What made it special? Was it the gift itself, the thought that went into it, or the person who gave it to you?
Read today’s Gospel, Matthew 2:1-12. The gifts of the Magi—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—have come to be understood as symbols of Christ’s royalty, divinity, and eventual suffering and death. They are special because in giving them, the Magi acknowledge who Jesus was to be: our Savior. We pray that we will acknowledge Jesus as Savior in all that we do and say. Conclude by singing together “We Three Kings.”      www.loyolapress.com