ONE GOD – ONE FAMILY
INTRODUCTORY RITES
Gather together as a family/ community; create an environment appropriate for prayer (dress appropriately - switch off your phones...).
We cannot gather together as usual for the Eucharist. But we are conscious that Christ is present not only in the Blessed Sacrament but also in the Scriptures and in our hearts. Even when we are on our own, we remain part of the Body of Christ.
Place lighted candles, a crucifix, and the Bible on a covered table. These remind us of the sacredness of our time of prayer and could help us feel connected with our local worshipping communities.
You may sing or play an appropriate hymn. For instance:
The Sign of the Cross
Greeting and Introductory Words
L: The Lord invites us to the table of his Word: let us bless him for his goodness.
A: Blessed be God forever.
L: We celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord, his manifestation to the Gentiles. The Epiphany calls us to a new vision that sees beyond the boundaries and borders we have created and to walk by the light by which we are able to recognize all people as our brothers and sisters under the loving providence of one God, the creator of all.
We pray that our celebration helps us live as one people.
Penitential Rite
L: For the times, we have allowed our differences to divide us, we ask the Lord for his forgiveness.
Pause
L: Lord Jesus, Lord Jesus, you came to gather the nations into the peace of God’s kingdom:
Lord, have mercy.
A: Lord, have mercy.
L: Christ Jesus, you radiate your light on all the nations:
Christ, have mercy.
A: Christ, have mercy.
L: Lord Jesus, you will come in glory with salvation for your people:
Lord, have mercy.
A: Lord, have mercy.
L: May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life.
A: Amen.
Gloria
Opening Prayer
L: Lord God of the nations,
we have seen the star of your glory
rising in splendour.
The radiance of your incarnate Word
pierces the darkness that covers the earth
and signals the dawn of peace and justice.
Make radiant the lives of your people
and beckon all the nations
to walk as one in your light.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God for ever and ever.
A: Amen.
THE LITURGY OF THE WORD
Readings
The readings are those assigned for the day in the Lectionary.
Preferably use a Bible/ Lectionary for reading.
Reading 1 Isaiah 60:1-6
Psalm Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13
Response Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.
Reading 2 Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6
Acclamation
Alleluia, alleluia.
We saw his star at its rising
and have come to do him homage.
Gospel Matthew 2:1-12
Reflection on the Readings
Use one of the following ways to reflect on the readings.
Lectio Divina
Imagine being in Jerusalem when “magi from the east” arrive there and ask: “Where is the newborn king of the Jews?” Or imagine being in “the house” when the magi “prostrated themselves and did him homage.” What are your thoughts and feelings?
Sunday Snippets
Growing up as a “fauji” kid was an amazing experience of a life of communion! Each campus was a mini-India. We hailed from different places and spoke different languages, professed different faiths, and had different customs. Despite our numerous differences, we shared a common bond. In sickness and in health, in sorrow and in joy, in mourning and in celebration, we were one people: members of one fauji family.
We are members of one family—one human family which the One God has created. This is the thrust of the readings on the Feast of the Epiphany.
In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul writes that the manifestation (or epiphany) of God’s glory in Jesus reveals God’s plan to make all people “members of the same body”.
In the first reading, Isaiah invites Jerusalem to “rise up in splendour” because the exile is over. Her sons and daughters return to Jerusalem; and so will the Gentiles bearing “the wealth of nations” to praise God who has done wonders for all his people.
What Isaiah proclaims in verse, Matthew narrates in word! Bethlehem is the destination of the pilgrimage of the Magi bearing gifts to honour the King of the Jews. Jews and Gentiles are one in praising and adoring the one God. And God, in the person of Jesus, is reaching out to one people, to the whole world.
In a world which increasingly emphasizes division based on gender, race, religion, nationality, class… the Feast of the Epiphany is a powerful reminder that for God there are no foreigners, no outsiders; all are his beloved children.
Do I see myself as a member of the one human family? How will I manifest and celebrate my oneness with all people in the week ahead?
Questions to Ponder
Reflect on some (or all) of the following questions:
Reading 1: “See, darkness covers the earth, and thick clouds cover the peoples; but upon you the LORD shines.” Am I aware of God’s light and glory in my life despite the darkness around?
Reading 2: “The Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and copartners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.” Am I aware of the depth/ profundity of this great mystery? What are the practical implications of this mystery in my life?
Gospel: What is the main contrast between Jerusalem and Bethlehem? Between Herod and the Magi? What does this tell me about places and people God chooses?
At the end of this Gospel story Joseph, Mary and Jesus ended up running from Herod. Who are the modern “Herods” who sow death in the world today?
The Creed
Prayer of the Faithful
L: The Feast of the Epiphany proclaims that the child Jesus belongs to and is given to the whole world as Saviour. On this day when peoples from afar came to worship the Lord, we pray for the world and all peoples: Lord, hear our prayer.
R: For the Church: that we may be a light to those searching for direction and illuminate their path through our words and deeds of compassion and justice, we pray to the Lord…
R: For all peoples on the earth: that God may heal the wounds of racial bias, open hearts, and help us work together against violence, drug abuse, and poverty, we pray to the Lord…
R: For all who are sick or suffering, neglected or bereaved: that the light of Christ will lead them out of darkness, we pray to the Lord…
R: For all who are seekers: that God may lead those confused or searching for a new beginning onto a new path filled with meaning and purpose, we pray to the Lord…
R: For migrants and refugees: that God may help them to establish new lives and experience justice and respect in their new homeland, we pray to the Lord…
R: For ourselves: that we may learn from the people and experiences in our lives how to recognize God’s presence and invitations, we pray to the Lord…
L: God of all nations, peoples and cultures, this is the day you have made bright with your light and your love for all. Let your light shine everywhere, that all peoples may praise you in their own language and live in harmony as one people. Through Christ our Lord.
A: Amen.
SPIRITUAL COMMUNION
The Lord’s Prayer
Spiritual Communion
A: Jesus, I know and believe in your real presence in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Eucharist. It is you I desire to love and receive above all things. As I am unable to receive your sacramental presence now, come and be with me in heart and soul. Let my entire self be united with you as I welcome you again and know your loving embrace. Amen.
Post Spiritual Communion Reflection
Lord,
the magi came drawn by a star
to walk in your light.
Lord,
shine your light upon us all.
Let your star chase away our darkness
and fill us with your radiant love.
Make us into epiphanies
overflowing with care for each other
that we may love one another
and live as one family.
CONCLUDING RITE
Concluding Prayer
L: Guide us always and everywhere, Lord,
by your light from on high,
that we may discern with clear minds
and treasure with deep affection
the mystery you have given us to share.
Through Christ our Lord.A: Amen.
Blessing
L: The Lord bless us, protect us from all evil, and lead us to everlasting life.
A: Amen.
L: Go in the peace of Christ.
A: Thanks be to God.
Conclude with a hymn. For instance:
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