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Gospel Reading for January 4, 2026 – Matthe 2: 1-12
WELL WORTH LIVING
The Epiphany of the Lord
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.
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For us Christians, Epiphany means the manifestation of the Son of God to the world through the 3 wise men, who in later tradition were named and as coming from: Melchior (Persia), Caspar (India), and Balthazar (Arabia/Ethiopia), and who offered to the child Jesus, gold, frankincense, and myrrh. This is meant to represent different ages and continents. Even the gifts have their meaning: Gold – Jesus’ kingship; Frankincense – divinity/priesthood, and Myrrh – foreshadowing his suffering, death, and humanity.
At Baptism, we are called to be kings (to serve), priests (to pray and worship) and prophets (to be witnesses of Christ whatever the cost). As we celebrate the Epiphany of the Lord, let us look back at the year 2025 and see how much we have participated in Christ’s 3-fold mission, and pray that the year 2026 will be a great opportunity to be Christlike to others.
Herod was so insecure thinking that the child Jesus would replace him as king, hence wanted to kill him. When the wise men did not come back to him, he ordered the massacre of boys 2 years and below. It is said that he was so paranoid, thus, having so much blood on his hands, including the killing of his own sons. But by doing this, was he able to secure his throne? Of course not. He died when Jesus was just about 2 years old and died of dreadful diseases, giving him a slow and very painful death.
This is something we all have to remember: We are given just one life to live. Let us live it doing our best to contribute goodness to humanity. It will make our life WELL WORTH LIVING!
Lord, may we be loyal and faithful witnesses of your love!
