The Various Gifts which reveal the greatness of the Lord

Gospel Thoughts

*Epiphany of the Lord*

*GOSPEL - Mt 2:1-12*

*First Reading - Is 60:1-6*

*Second Reading - Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6*

*The Various Gifts which reveal the greatness of the Lord*

*1) The meaning of Epiphany*

Epiphany means *manifestation* - Here it the manifestation of Jesus to the entire world. 

It also means a moment of sudden and great revelation or realization.

*2) The event that revealed Christ to the Entire world*

The visit of the three wise men from the East. This was not an ordinary visit, but it was an extraordinary visit, because this visit revealed who Jesus is, and what is the purpose of His life and mission  

*3) The things which helped in the revelation of Jesus*

The three gifts revealed three important aspects of Jesus' life. 

*A) Gold*

One of the kings offered Gold. 

*Gold is the symbol and identified with King.*

By offering the Gold to Jesus, the wise man calls us to accept Jesus as the king of the universe. 

*Gold is also the symbol of wealth*

Whoever has Gold, he is wealthy and rich. Like wise whoever has Jesus, he/She is rich and wealthy. 

Jesus is the richest wealth, which we can have in our life. 

*Be careful not to lose this Gold/Wealth*

There is always risk of losing the Gold or wealth. So be careful not to lose the precious  wealth and Gold, Jesus Christ. 

*B) Incense*

*Incense is closely associated with the Worship*

Incense is used for the worship 

It is also associated with Holiness, since it is  used in Holy Places 

Like wise Jesus is the divine person to whom we need to worship and adore.

Jesus is also associated with the Holy Place 

*Incense is associated with sacrifice*

Burning of incense is done during the Holy ceremonies. 

This burning aspect, highlights the aspect of sacrifice. 

Jesus is the symbol of sacrifice. He sacrificed His life on the Cross for our sake 

He scarified His divinity and became man 

*C) Myrrh*

It is a material which is used for perfume, and also as anointing oil in the ancient world 

It is also a key ingredient   to mix with the Spices, that were used to prepare bodies for burial

So myrrh reveals that, through His death, He will save the entire world 

Myrrh reveals that as long as Jesus is with us, as a ingredient in our life, death will not destroy or decay our life 

So these three gifts reveal the great truths about Jesus' life 

*4) Today I need to become Gold, incense and Myrrh*

Along with the gifts, the wise men offered themselves 

Today along with various things we offer, we need to offer our life.

Will my life's gift, equal to Gold

Will my life's gift, equal to incense 

Will my life's gift equal to myrrh? 

*5) What can I do, to become my life as a precious gift like Gold, incense, and myrrh?*

*Think about this*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*