Epiphany (the word means ‘to appear’) celebrates the revelation of Jesus Christ to the world. It is a time to reflect on the mystery of Christ’s birth and to renew our commitment to
following him. For us, Epiphany is a time to recognise that Christ came for
everyone and we see this reflected in the visit of the Magi (wise men) and the gifts that
they brought. The magi represented the non-Jewish peoples of the world, so this was considered a “revelation to the gentiles”.
Day 1 – Start with scripture
We invite you to start with the Sign of the Cross.
Read this Gospel passage.
A Reading from the Holy Gospel According to Matthew
R. Glory to You O Lord
“Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:
Mt 2:2-12
“‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
who will shepherd my people Israel.’”
And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.
The Gospel of the Lord
R. Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ
Spend some time in pairs or threes and talk about the questions below. When you’re finished, share them with the whole form and see where the dialogue takes you.
Discussion Questions:
Why those gifts?
Why are the choice of gifts important?
Click below to “Add Comment” and capture some of what has been said in your form for others to see.
Lord Jesus, you are light from light; Lord, have mercy. Christ Jesus, you reveal the face of God to all nations; Christ, have mercy. Lord Jesus, you are true God and true man; Lord, have mercy.
Amen.
St Peter and St Paul…
Pray for us.
Amen
Day 2 – Myrrh?
We invite you to start with the Sign of the Cross.
What is the importance of the Epiphany? Who were the Wise men? What is Myrhh? The follow clip helps explain.
Lord God of heaven and earth,
You revealed your only Son to every nation by the guidance of a star. Bless this school and all who come here. Fill us with the light of Christ. That our concern for others may reflect your love.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
St Peter and St Paul…
Pray for us.
Amen
Day 3 – New Year, new you?
We invite you to start with the Sign of the Cross.
At the beginning of a New Year, it’s common to make resolutions; things we want to stop doing or things we want to start doing. Before we can do this we need to ask God what He would like us to change. By spending time in prayer we can begin to know what God’s plan for us and then take concrete steps to change. Most resolutions become nothing but a memory by February. Change is hard and takes effort each and every day. Believe it or not, it isn’t in succeeding that we please God. It’s in the trying. Genuinely trying to do His will for us.
Spend a minute now in silent reflection.
- Did you make a New Year’s resolution?
- Did you ask God what He wants for you?
- How are you going to take concrete steps to change?
Almighty Sovereign,
It is only in doing your will that we can find true happiness. Come Lord and guide us in our efforts to change. May your Holy Spirit show us what we need to change and grant us the strength to do it.
We make our prayer through our Lord Jesus Christ, your son. Amen
St Peter and St Paul…
Pray for us.
Amen
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