How does the Epiphany of the Lord invite me, as I ponder the Magi who “were overjoyed at seeing the star,” to reflect on the interconnectedness of creation described in “On Care for Our Common Home“—acknowledging that technology often solves one problem only to create others—and to cherish moments of simple wonder, like my grandchildren roasting marshmallows over an open fire, while considering what CAPN: “The WTC: The Podcast,” Episode 001 – Relics & Such, wants us to see❓
Reading I
Seeing the Magi arrive with gifts, I imagine the grandeur foretold in Isaiah: “Caravans of camels shall fill you.” This imagery draws me to consider the richness of creation and the abundance that comes when we align ourselves with the divine purpose. Yet, how often do I fail in seeing the beauty of the interconnectedness around me, dismissing the blessings that journey toward me, much like the camels bringing treasures to Jerusalem❓
Responsorial Psalm
In the Psalms, we are reminded, “Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.” As I reflect on this truth, I realize how seeing God’s handiwork in every corner of creation draws all nations together in awe. Whether through the vastness of the stars or the simplicity of my grandchildren’s laughter by the fire, I am called to deepen my vision of a world united in reverence, transcending differences to honor the Creator.
Reading II
Saint Paul speaks of “the mystery made known to me by revelation,” and I pause to ask what revelations I might be missing by not truly seeing the connections between my faith, my family, and the world. When I become overly focused on human-made solutions, like technology, I risk overlooking the sacred mystery that is already present in the relationships between all living things, waiting to be revealed in the ordinary moments of life.
Alleluia
Alleluia, alleluia. The Magi’s journey is summed up in their declaration: “We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.” They were alert to seeing the signs of the divine and acted in faith. Am I as attentive in seeing the divine call to honor creation and relationships, especially when I observe simple yet profound moments like my grandchildren’s joy around the fire❓ Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel
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.
haven’t seen the Ben SEO podcast that was the west Texas Catholic the podcast beta version
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that pilgrimage cross so we invite everybody to please come and see the relics it’s not very it’s not every day
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to the mass and we hope to see you at the Mass if you need to know more please call Adrien Johnson in the Family Life
Do I, too, experience such joy in seeing the signs of God’s presence in my life, or am I blinded by distractions that obscure the divine wonder around me and keep me from being as…
Technology, which, linked to business interests, is presented as the only way of solving these problems, in fact proves incapable of seeing the mysterious network of relations between things and so sometimes solves one problem only to create others.
FROM PARAGRAPH 20 OF ENCYCLICAL LETTER LAUDATO SI’ OF THE HOLY FATHER FRANCIS ON CARE FOR OUR COMMON HOME