Sunday Scripture - Reflection for January 7, 2024

Sunday Scripture - Reflection for January 7, 2024

Living Nativity, Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, Lafayette, Louisiana, December 17, 2023

Gospel Reflection: January 7, 2024 -- Epiphany

Mt 2:1-12
When people first meet the newborn king, they immediately recognize his greatness. In the Gospel we see the Magi following the star, saying they have come to “do him homage”. The Magi are guided by a light to find the Messiah when the infant named Jesus appears like a light shining in darkness. Imagine their awe at their long-awaited discovery. They are overjoyed and prostrate themselves and share their finest gifts with him. Their faith comes from their wisdom. We should seek out Jesus with this same spirit, giving all of ourselves to Him. When we greet him in the Eucharist and in adoration, we should adore Him in this very way. The Entrance Antiphon from the Vigil Mass (“Arise, Jerusalem, and look to the East and see your children gathered from the rising to the setting of the sun.”) reminds me to follow the light of Christ each day from start to finish. It doesn’t hurt that God bookmarks most days by a beautiful sunrise and sunset. This antiphon also encourages me to evangelize as I picture Christians physically filling in all of these spaces. Come let us adore Him, Christ, the Lord.

Anita Roberts-Long
Roses on the Teche Community
Lafayette, Louisiana, USA

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