Office of Readings

If this is the first Hour that you are reciting today, you should precede it with the Invitatory Psalm.

O God, come to my aid.
O Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen. Alleluia.

A suitable hymn may be inserted at this point.

Psalm 71 (72)
The Messiah's royal power
Give the king your judgement, O God, give the king’s son your righteousness. Let him judge your people with justice and your poor ones with wisdom. Let the mountains bring peace to your people, let the hills bring righteousness. He will give his judgement to the poor among the people, he will rescue the children of the destitute, he will lay low the false accuser. He will endure with the sun, beneath the moon, from generation to generation. He will come down like rain on the pasture, like a shower that waters the earth. In his time, righteousness will flourish and abundance of peace, until the moon itself is no more. He will rule from coast to coast, from the world’s centre to its farthest edge. The desert-dwellers will cast themselves down before him; his enemies will eat dust at his feet. The kings of Tharsis and the islands will bring tribute, the kings of Arabia and Sheba will bring gifts. All the kings will worship him, all nations will serve him. Because he has given freedom to the destitute who called to him, to the poor, whom no-one will hear. He will spare the poor and the needy, he will keep their lives safe. He will rescue their lives from oppression and violence, their blood will be precious in his sight. He will live long, and receive gifts of gold from Arabia; they will pray for him always, bless him all through the day. There will be abundance of grain in the land, it will wave even from the tops of the mountains; its fruit will be richer than Lebanon. The people will flourish as easily as grass. Let his name be blessed for ever, let his name endure beneath the sun. All the nations of the earth will be blessed in him, all nations will acclaim his greatness. Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, who alone works wonders. Let his majesty be blessed for ever; let it fill all the earth. Amen, amen. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Psalm 71 (72)

The Messiah's royal power

Give the king your judgement, O God,
give the king’s son your righteousness.
Let him judge your people with justice
and your poor ones with wisdom.

Let the mountains bring peace to your people,
let the hills bring righteousness.
He will give his judgement to the poor among the people,
he will rescue the children of the destitute,
he will lay low the false accuser.
He will endure with the sun, beneath the moon,
from generation to generation.

He will come down like rain on the pasture,
like a shower that waters the earth.
In his time, righteousness will flourish
and abundance of peace,
until the moon itself is no more.
He will rule from coast to coast,
from the world’s centre to its farthest edge.

The desert-dwellers will cast themselves down before him;
his enemies will eat dust at his feet.
The kings of Tharsis and the islands will bring tribute,
the kings of Arabia and Sheba will bring gifts.
All the kings will worship him,
all nations will serve him.

Because he has given freedom to the destitute who called to him,
to the poor, whom no-one will hear.
He will spare the poor and the needy,
he will keep their lives safe.
He will rescue their lives from oppression and violence,
their blood will be precious in his sight.

He will live long, and receive gifts of gold from Arabia;
they will pray for him always,
bless him all through the day.
There will be abundance of grain in the land,
it will wave even from the tops of the mountains;
its fruit will be richer than Lebanon.
The people will flourish as easily as grass.

Let his name be blessed for ever,
let his name endure beneath the sun.
All the nations of the earth will be blessed in him,
all nations will acclaim his greatness.

Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel,
who alone works wonders.
Let his majesty be blessed for ever;
let it fill all the earth. Amen, amen.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.

Psalm 95 (96)
The Lord, the universal King and judge
Sing a new song to the Lord, sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, bless his name; day after day, proclaim his saving power. Proclaim his glory to the nations, proclaim to all peoples the wonders he has done. For the Lord is great; great is the praise we owe him, he is to be feared above all gods. The gods of the nations are foolishness, but the Lord made the heavens. Majesty and splendour are all about him, power and honour in his holy place. Bring to the Lord, clans of the peoples, bring to the Lord glory and power, bring to the Lord the glory that belongs to his name. Bring your offerings, enter his courts, worship the Lord in holy attire. Tremble at his presence, all the earth. Say to the nations: “The Lord reigns!”. For he has set the world firm, so that it cannot be shaken, and he will judge the peoples with fairness. Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad, let the sea and its fulness resound. The fields will rejoice, and all that is in them, all the trees of the woods will rejoice at the Lord’s presence – for he comes, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge all the world with justice. He will judge all the peoples with fairness. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Psalm 95 (96)

The Lord, the universal King and judge

Sing a new song to the Lord,
sing to the Lord, all the earth.
Sing to the Lord, bless his name;
day after day, proclaim his saving power.
Proclaim his glory to the nations,
proclaim to all peoples the wonders he has done.

For the Lord is great; great is the praise we owe him,
he is to be feared above all gods.
The gods of the nations are foolishness,
but the Lord made the heavens.
Majesty and splendour are all about him,
power and honour in his holy place.

Bring to the Lord, clans of the peoples,
bring to the Lord glory and power,
bring to the Lord the glory that belongs to his name.
Bring your offerings, enter his courts,
worship the Lord in holy attire.
Tremble at his presence, all the earth.
Say to the nations: “The Lord reigns!”.
For he has set the world firm, so that it cannot be shaken,
and he will judge the peoples with fairness.

Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad,
let the sea and its fulness resound.
The fields will rejoice, and all that is in them,
all the trees of the woods will rejoice
at the Lord’s presence – for he comes,
for he comes to judge the earth.
He will judge all the world with justice.
He will judge all the peoples with fairness.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.

Psalm 96 (97)
The glory of God in his judgements
The Lord reigns! Let the earth rejoice, let the many islands be glad. Clouds and dark mist surround him, his throne is founded on law and justice. Fire precedes him, burning up his enemies all around. His lightnings light up the globe; the earth sees and trembles. The mountains flow like wax at the sight of the Lord, at the sight of the Lord the earth dissolves. The heavens proclaim his justice and all peoples see his glory. Let them be dismayed, who worship carved things, who take pride in the images they make. All his angels, worship him. Sion heard and was glad, the daughters of Judah rejoiced because of your judgements, O Lord. For you are the Lord, the Most High over all the earth, far above all other gods. You who love the Lord, hate evil! The Lord protects the lives of his consecrated ones: he will free them from the hands of sinners. A light has arisen for the just, and gladness for the upright in heart. Rejoice, you just, in the Lord and proclaim his holiness. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Psalm 96 (97)

The glory of God in his judgements

The Lord reigns! Let the earth rejoice,
let the many islands be glad.
Clouds and dark mist surround him,
his throne is founded on law and justice.
Fire precedes him,
burning up his enemies all around.
His lightnings light up the globe;
the earth sees and trembles.
The mountains flow like wax at the sight of the Lord,
at the sight of the Lord the earth dissolves.
The heavens proclaim his justice
and all peoples see his glory.

Let them be dismayed, who worship carved things,
who take pride in the images they make.
All his angels, worship him.
Sion heard and was glad,
the daughters of Judah rejoiced
because of your judgements, O Lord.
For you are the Lord, the Most High over all the earth,
far above all other gods.

You who love the Lord, hate evil!
The Lord protects the lives of his consecrated ones:
he will free them from the hands of sinners.
A light has arisen for the just,
and gladness for the upright in heart.
Rejoice, you just, in the Lord
and proclaim his holiness.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.

Reading	Isaiah 60:1 - 22 ©
Arise, shine out, for your light has come, the glory of the Lord is rising on you, though night still covers the earth and darkness the peoples. Above you the Lord now rises and above you his glory appears. The nations come to your light and kings to your dawning brightness. Lift up your eyes and look round: all are assembling and coming towards you, your sons from far away and your daughters being tenderly carried. At this sight you will grow radiant, your heart throbbing and full; since the riches of the sea will flow to you, the wealth of the nations come to you; camels in throngs will cover you, and dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; everyone in Sheba will come, bringing gold and incense and singing the praise of the Lord. All the flocks of Kedar will gather inside you, the rams of Nebaioth will be at your service. They will come up, for acceptance, to my altar, to adorn the Temple of my glory. Who are these flying like a cloud, like doves to their cote? Yes, for me the ships are assembling, vessels of Tarshish in the front, to bring your sons from far away, and their silver and gold with them, for the sake of the name of the Lord your God, for the sake of the Holy One of Israel who has made you glorious. Foreigners will rebuild your walls and their kings will be your servants. For though I struck you in anger, in mercy I have pitied you. And your gates will lie open continually, shut neither by day nor by night, for men to bring you the wealth of the nations with their kings leading them; for the nation and kingdom that refuses to serve you shall perish, such nations shall be utterly ruined. The glory of Lebanon will come to you, with cypress and plane and box, to adorn the site of my sanctuary, to glorify the resting place of my feet. The sons of your oppressors will come to you bowing, at your feet shall fall all who despised you. They will call you ‘City of the Lord’, ‘Zion of the Holy One of Israel’. Though you have been abandoned, and hated and shunned, I will make you an eternal pride, a joy for ever and ever. You will be suckled on the milk of nations, suckled on the riches of kings, and you shall know that I, the Lord, am your saviour, that your redeemer is the Mighty One of Jacob. For bronze I will bring gold; for iron, silver; and bronze for wood; and iron for stone; I will put Peace in as magistrate, and Integrity as the government. Violence will no longer be heard of in your country, nor devastation and ruin within your frontiers. You will call your walls ‘Salvation’ and your gates ‘Praise’. No more will the sun give you daylight, nor moonlight shine on you, but the Lord will be your everlasting light, your God will be your splendour. Your sun will set no more nor your moon wane, but the Lord will be your everlasting light and your days of mourning will be ended. Your people will all be upright, possessing the land for ever; a shoot that the Lord has planted, my handiwork, designed for beauty. The least among you will become a clan and the smallest a mighty nation. I, the Lord, have spoken; in due time I shall act with speed.

Reading

Isaiah 60:1 - 22 ©

Arise, shine out, for your light has come,
the glory of the Lord is rising on you,
though night still covers the earth
and darkness the peoples.

Above you the Lord now rises
and above you his glory appears.
The nations come to your light
and kings to your dawning brightness.

Lift up your eyes and look round:
all are assembling and coming towards you,
your sons from far away
and your daughters being tenderly carried.

At this sight you will grow radiant,
your heart throbbing and full;
since the riches of the sea will flow to you,
the wealth of the nations come to you;

camels in throngs will cover you,
and dromedaries of Midian and Ephah;
everyone in Sheba will come,
bringing gold and incense
and singing the praise of the Lord.

All the flocks of Kedar will gather inside you,
the rams of Nebaioth will be at your service.
They will come up, for acceptance, to my altar,
to adorn the Temple of my glory.

Who are these flying like a cloud,
like doves to their cote?
Yes, for me the ships are assembling,
vessels of Tarshish in the front,

to bring your sons from far away,
and their silver and gold with them,
for the sake of the name of the Lord your God,
for the sake of the Holy One of Israel who has made you glorious.

Foreigners will rebuild your walls
and their kings will be your servants.
For though I struck you in anger,
in mercy I have pitied you.

And your gates will lie open continually,
shut neither by day nor by night,
for men to bring you the wealth of the nations
with their kings leading them;
for the nation and kingdom that refuses to serve you shall perish,
such nations shall be utterly ruined.

The glory of Lebanon will come to you,
with cypress and plane and box,
to adorn the site of my sanctuary,
to glorify the resting place of my feet.

The sons of your oppressors will come to you bowing,
at your feet shall fall all who despised you.
They will call you ‘City of the Lord’,
‘Zion of the Holy One of Israel’.

Though you have been abandoned,
and hated and shunned,
I will make you an eternal pride,
a joy for ever and ever.

You will be suckled on the milk of nations,
suckled on the riches of kings,
and you shall know that I, the Lord, am your saviour,
that your redeemer is the Mighty One of Jacob.

For bronze I will bring gold;
for iron, silver;
and bronze for wood;
and iron for stone;
I will put Peace in as magistrate,
and Integrity as the government.

Violence will no longer be heard of in your country,
nor devastation and ruin within your frontiers.
You will call your walls ‘Salvation’
and your gates ‘Praise’.

No more will the sun give you daylight,
nor moonlight shine on you,
but the Lord will be your everlasting light,
your God will be your splendour.

Your sun will set no more
nor your moon wane,
but the Lord will be your everlasting light
and your days of mourning will be ended.

Your people will all be upright,
possessing the land for ever;
a shoot that the Lord has planted,
my handiwork, designed for beauty.

The least among you will become a clan
and the smallest a mighty nation.
I, the Lord, have spoken;
in due time I shall act with speed.

Reading	A sermon by Pope St Leo the Great
The Lord has made his salvation known to the whole world
The loving providence of God determined that in the last days he would aid the world, set on its course to destruction. He decreed that all nations should be saved in Christ. A promise had been made to the holy patriarch Abraham in regard to these nations. He was to have a countless progeny, born not from his body but from the seed of faith. His descendants are therefore compared with the array of the stars. The father of all nations was to hope not in an earthly progeny but in a progeny from above. Let the full number of the nations now take their place in the family of the patriarchs. Let the children of the promise now receive the blessing in the seed of Abraham, the blessing renounced by the children of his flesh. In the persons of the Magi let all people adore the Creator of the universe; let God be known, not in Judaea only, but in the whole world, so that his name may be great in all Israel. Dear friends, now that we have received instruction in this revelation of God’s grace, let us celebrate with spiritual joy the day of our first harvesting, of the first calling of the Gentiles. Let us give thanks to the merciful God, who has made us worthy, in the words of the Apostle, to share the position of the saints in light, who has rescued us from the power of darkness, and brought us into the kingdom of his beloved Son. As Isaiah prophesied: the people of the Gentiles, who sat in darkness, have seen a great light, and for those who dwelt in the region of the shadow of death a light has dawned. He spoke of them to the Lord: The Gentiles, who do not know you, will invoke you, and the peoples, who knew you not, will take refuge in you. This is the day that Abraham saw, and rejoiced to see, when he knew that the sons born of his faith would be blessed in his seed, that is, in Christ. Believing that he would be the father of the nations, he looked into the future, giving glory to God, in full awareness that God is able to do what he has promised. This is the day that David prophesied in the psalms, when he said: All the nations that you have brought into being will come and fall down in adoration in your presence, Lord, and glorify your name. Again, the Lord has made known his salvation; in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice. This came to be fulfilled, as we know, from the time when the star beckoned the three wise men out of their distant country and led them to recognise and adore the King of heaven and earth. The obedience of the star calls us to imitate its humble service: to be servants, as best we can, of the grace that invites all men to find Christ. Dear friends, you must have the same zeal to be of help to one another; then, in the kingdom of God, to which faith and good works are the way, you will shine as children of the light: through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with God the Father and the Holy Spirit for ever and ever. Amen.

Reading

A sermon by Pope St Leo the Great

The Lord has made his salvation known to the whole world

The loving providence of God determined that in the last days he would aid the world, set on its course to destruction. He decreed that all nations should be saved in Christ.
A promise had been made to the holy patriarch Abraham in regard to these nations. He was to have a countless progeny, born not from his body but from the seed of faith. His descendants are therefore compared with the array of the stars. The father of all nations was to hope not in an earthly progeny but in a progeny from above.
Let the full number of the nations now take their place in the family of the patriarchs. Let the children of the promise now receive the blessing in the seed of Abraham, the blessing renounced by the children of his flesh. In the persons of the Magi let all people adore the Creator of the universe; let God be known, not in Judaea only, but in the whole world, so that his name may be great in all Israel.
Dear friends, now that we have received instruction in this revelation of God’s grace, let us celebrate with spiritual joy the day of our first harvesting, of the first calling of the Gentiles. Let us give thanks to the merciful God, who has made us worthy, in the words of the Apostle, to share the position of the saints in light, who has rescued us from the power of darkness, and brought us into the kingdom of his beloved Son. As Isaiah prophesied: the people of the Gentiles, who sat in darkness, have seen a great light, and for those who dwelt in the region of the shadow of death a light has dawned. He spoke of them to the Lord: The Gentiles, who do not know you, will invoke you, and the peoples, who knew you not, will take refuge in you.
This is the day that Abraham saw, and rejoiced to see, when he knew that the sons born of his faith would be blessed in his seed, that is, in Christ. Believing that he would be the father of the nations, he looked into the future, giving glory to God, in full awareness that God is able to do what he has promised.
This is the day that David prophesied in the psalms, when he said: All the nations that you have brought into being will come and fall down in adoration in your presence, Lord, and glorify your name. Again, the Lord has made known his salvation; in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice.
This came to be fulfilled, as we know, from the time when the star beckoned the three wise men out of their distant country and led them to recognise and adore the King of heaven and earth. The obedience of the star calls us to imitate its humble service: to be servants, as best we can, of the grace that invites all men to find Christ.
Dear friends, you must have the same zeal to be of help to one another; then, in the kingdom of God, to which faith and good works are the way, you will shine as children of the light: through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with God the Father and the Holy Spirit for ever and ever. Amen.

Canticle	Te Deum
God, we praise you; Lord, we proclaim you! You, the Father, the eternal – all the earth venerates you. All the angels, all the heavens, every power – The cherubim, the seraphim – unceasingly, they cry: “Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of Hosts: heaven and earth are full of the majesty of your glory!” The glorious choir of Apostles – The noble ranks of prophets – The shining army of martyrs – all praise you. Throughout the world your holy Church proclaims you. – Father of immeasurable majesty, – True Son, only-begotten, worthy of worship, – Holy Spirit, our Advocate. You, Christ: – You are the king of glory. – You are the Father’s eternal Son. – You, to free mankind, did not disdain a Virgin’s womb. – You defeated the sharp spear of Death, and opened the kingdom of heaven to those who believe in you. – You sit at God’s right hand, in the glory of the Father. – You will come, so we believe, as our Judge. And so we ask of you: give help to your servants, whom you set free at the price of your precious blood. Number them among your chosen ones in eternal glory. Bring your people to safety, Lord, and bless those who are your inheritance. Rule them and lift them high for ever. Day by day we bless you, Lord: we praise you for ever and for ever. Of your goodness, Lord, keep us without sin for today. Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy on us. Let your pity, Lord, be upon us, as much as we trust in you. In you, Lord, I trust: let me never be put to shame. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Canticle

Te Deum

God, we praise you; Lord, we proclaim you!
You, the Father, the eternal –
all the earth venerates you.
All the angels, all the heavens, every power –
The cherubim, the seraphim –
unceasingly, they cry:
“Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of Hosts:
heaven and earth are full of the majesty of your glory!”

The glorious choir of Apostles –
The noble ranks of prophets –
The shining army of martyrs –
all praise you.
Throughout the world your holy Church proclaims you.
– Father of immeasurable majesty,
– True Son, only-begotten, worthy of worship,
– Holy Spirit, our Advocate.

You, Christ:
– You are the king of glory.
– You are the Father’s eternal Son.
– You, to free mankind, did not disdain a Virgin’s womb.
– You defeated the sharp spear of Death, and opened the kingdom of heaven to those who believe in you.
– You sit at God’s right hand, in the glory of the Father.
– You will come, so we believe, as our Judge.

And so we ask of you: give help to your servants, whom you set free at the price of your precious blood.
Number them among your chosen ones in eternal glory.
Bring your people to safety, Lord, and bless those who are your inheritance.
Rule them and lift them high for ever.

Day by day we bless you, Lord: we praise you for ever and for ever.
Of your goodness, Lord, keep us without sin for today.
Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy on us.
Let your pity, Lord, be upon us, as much as we trust in you.
In you, Lord, I trust: let me never be put to shame.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.

Concluding Prayer
Lord, may the splendour of the Resurrection shine in our hearts. Make us worthy to escape the shadows of death and arrive in the brightness of eternity. 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. Amen.

Catholic Culture

Collect:
Father, you revealed your Son to the nations by the guidance of a star. Lead us to your glory in heaven by the light of faith. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Recipes:

Activities:

Prayers:

January 07, 2007

Solemnity of the Epiphany

"The Lord and ruler is coming; kingship is his, and government and power." With these words the Church proclaims that today's feast brings to a perfect fulfillment all the purposes of Advent. Epiphany, therefore, marks the liturgical zenith of the Advent-Christmas season. — Pius Parsch

The Solemnity of the Epiphany is celebrated either on January 6 or, according to the decision of the episcopal conference, on the Sunday between January 2 and January 8. The young Messiah is revealed as the light of the nations. Yet, as the antiphon for the Magnificat at Second Vespers reminds us, three mysteries are encompassed in this solemnity: the adoration of the Christ Child by the Magi, the Baptism of Christ and the wedding feast at Cana. Extra candles and/or lamps may be placed around the sanctuary and in other parts of the church to honor Christ revealed as the Light of the Gentiles (Ceremonial of Bishops). It is customary to replace the images of the shepherds at the crib with the three Magi and their gifts. — Ceremonies of the Liturgical Year, Msgr. Peter J. Elliott, Ignatius Press.

The Fourteenth Day of Christmas

Solemnity of the Lord's Epiphany
Many traditions and genuine manifestations of popular piety have been developed in relation to the Solemnity of the Lord's Epiphany, which is of ancient origin and rich in spiritual content. Among such forms of popular piety, mention may be made of:

the solemn proclamation of Easter and the principal dominical feasts; its revival in many places would be opportune since it served to make the connection between the Epiphany and Easter, and orientate all feasts towards the greatest Christian solemnity;
the exchange of "Epiphany gifts", which derives from the gifts offered to Jesus by the three kings (cf. Mt 2,11) and more radically from the gift made to mankind by God in the birth of Emmanuel amongst us (cf. Is 7, 14; 9, 16; Mt 1, 23). It is important, however, to ensure that the exchange of gifts on the solemnity of the Epiphany retain a Christian character, indicating that its meaning is evangelical: hence the gifts offered should be a genuine expression of popular piety and free from extravagance, luxury, and waste, all of which are extraneous to the Christian origins of this practice;
the blessing of homes, on whose lentils are inscribed the Cross of salvation, together with the indication of the year and the initials of the three wise men (C+M+B), which can also be interpreted to mean Christus Mansionem Benedicat, written in blessed chalk; this custom, often accompanied by processions of children accompanied by their parents, expresses the blessing of Christ through the intercession of the three wise men and is an occasion for gathering offerings for charitable and missionary purposes;
initiatives in solidarity with those who come from afar; whether Christian or not, popular piety has encouraged a sense of solidarity and openness;
assistance to the work of evangelization; the strong missionary character of the Epiphany has been well understood by popular piety and many initiatives in support of the missions flourish on 6 January, especially the "Missionary work of the Holy Child", promoted by the Apostolic See;
the assignation of Patrons; in many religious communities and confraternities, patron saints are assigned to the members for the coming year.
—#118 Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy

Things to Do:

Read about the Epiphany, or the Manifestation of the Lord.
For family activities please see the Blessing of Water and Chalk and the Blessing of the Home on Epiphany.

January 7, Solemnity of the Epiphany

Epiphany is a large celebration, especially in Spanish speaking countries. Things look different around the household: the infant Jesus in the manger now has a small gold crown and is wearing regal robes. The figures of the wise men have reached Bethlehem, completing the nativity scene.

The Church extends itself on Epiphany to the homes of the faithful. The custom of blessing the home on this day probably originated from these words in the Gospel, "And entering into the house, they found the Child with Mary, His Mother, and falling down they adored Him." The priest blesses the house if he can be present, but if not, the father of the family may do so.

Day Fouteen activity
Day Fourteen recipe (Twelfth Day Cake)

**The custom of blessing the home on this day probably originated from these words in the Gospel, "And entering into the house, they found the Child with Mary, His Mother, and falling down they adored Him." The priest blesses the house if he can be present, but if not, the father of the family may do so.**

Hit the link above for the Blessing of Your Home (and do it!)

Regnum Christi

The Heart of the Matter
January 7, 2007

Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Epiphany of the Lord
Father Shawn Aaron, LC

Matthew 2:1-12
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 Messiah 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.

Introductory Prayer:Father, you revealed your Son to the nations by the guidance of a star. Lead us to your glory in heaven by the light of faith. Draw us beyond the limits that this world imposes, to the life where your Spirit makes all life complete. We ask this through Christ Our Lord.

Petition:Jesus, grant me an honest, sincere heart.

1. Where Is the Newborn King of the Jews? Jesus once told a parable of a man in search of a precious pearl who combed the city until one day he found what he sought. He did not hesitate to sell everything to possess it. The Magi, pagans in name but not in heart, are earnestly seeking the finest of all pearls. They are contrasted with the chief priests and scribes who failed to see the signs because they grew complacent in their faith and love. There is a continual danger in the spiritual life: settling in, thinking that we have arrived to where we need to be, where we have it all pretty much “figured out” so that we are “comfortable” with our Christian faith. But those who seek the truth so as to build their lives on the truth never surrender in their endeavor to possess the truth. The Magi will arrive at the greatest of all truths, namely, that truth itself is a person and their search for truth is actually a search for God’s face: “Of you my heart speaks; you my glance seeks; your face O Lord, I seek” (Psalm 27:8). These “pagans” show us that we must never tire of looking for Jesus. This search for Jesus everyday helps keep our love fresh and our longing to serve him strong.

2. When King Herod Heard This, He Was Greatly Troubled. Herod is “greatly troubled,” yet how different his disposition is from that of a young Jewish girl who was also “troubled” by the words of an angel. Mary was “troubled” by the magnitude of God’s plan involving her very person in a unique way. Herod, on the other hand, is “troubled” at the prospect of competition in his life. A jealous person fears a competitor whom they suspect will take away a good possessed. Envy desires the good that I lack but that another person possesses. If we are not attentive, this same sentiment can begin to grow in our hearts. Roots of envy and jealousy towards others grow silently and begin to grip our will while strangling our capacity to love unconditionally. Rather than unity, it sows discord and suspicion. We can even begin to look for ways to “bring them down,” not necessarily physically, but verbally, by assailing their character and exploiting their weaknesses when speaking to others. It eventually enters into our relationship with God: we become less and less generous with God to the point of being threatened by what he may ask me to do or to give up. Because of Original Sin, attitudes like Herod’s assail the heart of each one of us. Yet we do not need to consent to such temptations. It is Mary’s example that helps us see clearly the proper disposition of heart in all our dealings with God: “Let it be done in me according to your will.”

3. They Opened Their Treasures and Offered Him Gifts. What is more precious to God than my heart? Jesus is not interested in gold, frankinsense or myrrh. Yet the Magi’s offering is pleasing to God. Why? Because of their love. Their search for the truth is not only cerebral, it also involves the heart. One day Jesus will call his disciples together and point to a woman who is depositing two coins in the treasury. What were the coins worth? Practically nothing. And the love with which they were given? Who could possibly measure that love? God can. God is the unobserved bystander in each activity of my day. He witnesses the generosity or selfishness of my heart. He invites me down the path of generous love. These men had already sacrificed much to follow that star in faith. Now they crown their journey of faith with generous love. Through their example we discover a remedy that is stronger than the selfishness and jealousy exemplified by Herod. Like these holy magi, today I want to open the treasure of my heart and my life to Jesus, trying to love him in the big and the small, as a way of paying him homage for all he has done for me.

Conversation with Christ: Dear Lord, thank you for giving me so many examples of virtue and goodness. These examples spur me on to a more generous love and a deeper commitment to seek you with all of my heart. You know that I am weak, but you are strong and your friendship is irrevocable. Help me to love you as I should and be your witness today.

Resolution: Today I will make three acts of hidden charity.

Homily of the Day

Homily of the Day

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You Already Have It!

January 5, 2007

Is 60 :1-6 / Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6 / Mt 2:1-12

More than a century ago, a great sailing ship was stranded off the coast of South America. Week after week the ship lay there in the still waters with not a hint of a breeze. The captain was desperate; the crew was dying of thirst. And then, on the far horizon, a steamship appeared, headed directly toward them. As it drew near, the captain called out, "We need water! Give us water!"

The steamship replied, "Lower your buckets where you are."

The captain was furious at this cavalier response but called out again, "Please, give us water."

But the steamer gave the same reply, "Lower your buckets where you are!" And with that they sailed away! The captain was beside himself with anger and despair, and he went below. But a little later when no one was looking, a yeoman lowered a bucket into the sea and then tasted what he brought up: It was perfectly sweet, fresh water! For you see, the ship was just out of sight of the mouth of the Amazon. And for all those weeks they'd been sitting right on top of all the fresh water they needed!

There is in all of us a restlessness that keeps us searching, moving, changing, looking far and wide for something — we're not sure what — but something that can satisfy us and fill us full.

We search and search, for the latest look, the fastest new sports car, the perfect BEST FRIEND, the hottest new resort, the ultimate cabernet. We find them — more or less — and before you know it we're weary and listless again. A vague feeling of emptiness whispers, even as we find some new treasure, "Not enough, not enough."

Eventually we ask: Will it ever end? Will we ever find the satisfaction and peace we seek, or will we die listless and world-weary as so many have before us?

As the three kings could tell us, it all depends on where we look. What we're seeking isn't to be found out there. We can't buy it, lease it, invent it, or negotiate for it. We can't beg, borrow, or steal it. We can't move to a new place and find it. What we're really seeking is already inside us, waiting to be discovered, waiting to be embraced: The Holy Spirit of God who has lived within us from the first second of our life. The Holy Spirit who is saying to us at this very moment, "Lower your buckets where you are. Taste and see!"

Only the Holy Spirit of God is large enough to fill us full, to calm our restlessness and bring us the peace and contentment we crave. Nothing less will do. So there's nothing left to do but to whisper our prayer from deep in our heart: Come, Holy Spirit! Fill our hearts, and set us on fire! Amen.

Epiphany

The fulgent star called them on,
these wanderers,
wise in their learning,
who knew that something amazing was begun.

Star of wonder,
did the light of a baby's eyes
and a mother's smile
fill their hearts as the saw the end of their quest?

Wisdom touched by God
is wisdom indeed.
The Magi, looking at what they sought,
perhaps contemplated how the things that change the world
can start simply with the birth of a child.

Nova,
not in the sky,
but here, in Mary's arms,
shattering the darkness
the child of promise
Emmanuel,
Creator become creation,
Love that would shatter the night.

In the Orthodox tradition, the Adoration of the Magi is part of the Nativity/Christmass celebration, not Theophany/Epiphany.

The strong Lutheran hymn that encompasses the theme of Orthodox Theophany is "To Jordan Came the Christ our Lord" (LBW 79; I believe that it is in LW as well). The text of most of the verses of the hymn (despite AF's copyright?) is at the bottom of the following Web page:

http://billcork.blogspot.com/2003_01_12_billcork_archive.html

This hymn, with its strong, beautiful tune, give a strong statement of the manifestation of the Holy Trinity--Father, Son, and Holy Spirit--in the Baptism of our Lord. That is also the theme of the troparion and icon for Theophany.

Unfortunately, the new "Evangelical Lutheran Worship" has omitted this hymn!!!! This is a most despicable case of feminazi meddling. Our Lutheran congregation, which now has "ELW" in our pews, sang the silly ditty known as "Wet Saints" as the hymn of the day instead. (I at least was at Serbian Christmas Eve last night, and--serving as Assisting Minister this morning--spoke some prayers for the Orthodox, the Serbian homeland, Kosovo, etc.)

In contrast, the current edition of the evangelical catholic "Lutheran Forum" magazine has the icon for the Orthodox Nativity on the cover, and a good article explaining its significance by a Lutheran iconongrapher. It also has two new GenX editiors, and several articles by under-35 evangelical catholic theologians.

THAT is the direction that the Lutheran church should go, NOT back to the 1970s with the feminazis who were at the center of producing "ELW". It's time to flush the feminazis, their lame and outmoded ideas of what a "hymn" or a "liturgy" is, and their malign influence over "mainline" seminaries down the drain!!!! And its time to start working on restoring Western Orthodoxy amng Lutherans, Roman Catholics, and Anglicans.

Here's the Orthodox troparion:

When You, O Lord were baptized in the Jordan
The worship of the Trinity was made manifest
For the voice of the Father bore witness to You
And called You His beloved Son.
And the Spirit, in the form of a dove,
Confirmed the truthfulness of His word.
O Christ, our God, You have revealed Yourself
And have enlightened the world, glory to You!

For my Serbian Orthodox FRiends, this is coming up on the 19th! Most other US Orthodox had it yesterday with the Afterfeast today.

**Unfortunately, the new "Evangelical Lutheran Worship" has omitted this hymn!!!! **

This has happened to a lot of good Roman Catholic hymns also.

Read the thread: The Next Chritianity which I posted a couple days ago.

Vespers -- Evening Prayer

Vespers (Evening Prayer)

O God, come to my aid.
O Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen. Alleluia.

A suitable hymn may be inserted at this point.

Psalm 109 (110)
The Messiah, king and priest
The Lord has said to my lord: “Sit at my right hand while I make your enemies into your footstool”. From Sion the Lord will give you a sceptre, and you will rule in the midst of your foes. Royal power is yours in the day of your strength, glorious and holy; from the time of your birth, before the dawn. The Lord has sworn, and he will not repent: “You are a priest for ever, a priest of the priesthood of Melchisedech”. The Lord is at your right hand, and on the day of his anger he will shatter kings. He will judge the nations, he will pile high their skulls; he will drink from the stream as he goes – he will hold his head high. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Psalm 109 (110)

The Messiah, king and priest

The Lord has said to my lord: “Sit at my right hand while I make your enemies into your footstool”.

From Sion the Lord will give you a sceptre, and you will rule in the midst of your foes.
Royal power is yours in the day of your strength, glorious and holy; from the time of your birth, before the dawn.

The Lord has sworn, and he will not repent: “You are a priest for ever, a priest of the priesthood of Melchisedech”.
The Lord is at your right hand, and on the day of his anger he will shatter kings.

He will judge the nations, he will pile high their skulls;
he will drink from the stream as he goes – he will hold his head high.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.

Psalm 111 (112)
How blessed are the just
Blessed is the man who fears the Lord and loves his commands above all things. His seed will be powerful on earth: the descendants of the just will be blessed. Glory and riches will fill his house, and his righteousness will stand firm for ever. He rises up in the darkness, a light for the upright, compassionate, generous, and just. Happy the man who takes pity and lends, who directs his affairs with wisdom – he will never be shaken. The just man will be remembered for ever, no slander will he fear. His heart is ready, hoping in the Lord; his heart is strong, it will not fear, until he looks down on his defeated enemies. He gives alms and helps the poor: his righteousness will endure for ever, his future will be glorious. The transgressor will see, and be enraged: he will grind his teeth and fade away. The desires of the wicked will perish. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Psalm 111 (112)

How blessed are the just

Blessed is the man who fears the Lord and loves his commands above all things.
His seed will be powerful on earth: the descendants of the just will be blessed.
Glory and riches will fill his house, and his righteousness will stand firm for ever.

He rises up in the darkness, a light for the upright,
compassionate, generous, and just.
Happy the man who takes pity and lends, who directs his affairs with wisdom –
he will never be shaken.

The just man will be remembered for ever, no slander will he fear.
His heart is ready, hoping in the Lord; his heart is strong, it will not fear,
until he looks down on his defeated enemies.
He gives alms and helps the poor: his righteousness will endure for ever,
his future will be glorious.

The transgressor will see, and be enraged: he will grind his teeth and fade away.
The desires of the wicked will perish.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.

Canticle	Apocalypse 15
A hymn of adoration
Great and wonderful are your works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are your ways, King of all nations! Who, Lord, will not revere and glorify your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship in your presence, for your judgements have been seen by all. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Canticle

Apocalypse 15

A hymn of adoration

Great and wonderful are your works, Lord God Almighty;
just and true are your ways, King of all nations!

Who, Lord, will not revere and glorify your name? For you alone are holy.
All nations will come and worship in your presence, for your judgements have been seen by all.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.

Short reading	Acts 10:37 - 38 ©
You must have heard about the recent happenings in Judaea; about Jesus of Nazareth and how he began in Galilee, after John had been preaching baptism. God had anointed him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and because God was with him, Jesus went about doing good and curing all who had fallen into the power of the devil.

Canticle	Magnificat
My soul rejoices in the Lord
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God, my salvation. For he has shown me such favour – me, his lowly handmaiden. Now all generations will call me blessed, because the mighty one has done great things for me. His name is holy, his mercy lasts for generation after generation for those who revere him. He has put forth his strength: he has scattered the proud and conceited, torn princes from their thrones; but lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things; the rich he has sent away empty. He has come to the help of his servant Israel, he has remembered his mercy as he promised to our fathers, to Abraham and his children for ever. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Canticle

Magnificat

My soul rejoices in the Lord

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
and my spirit rejoices in God, my salvation.
For he has shown me such favour –
me, his lowly handmaiden.
Now all generations will call me blessed,
because the mighty one has done great things for me.
His name is holy,
his mercy lasts for generation after generation
for those who revere him.

He has put forth his strength:
he has scattered the proud and conceited,
torn princes from their thrones;
but lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things;
the rich he has sent away empty.

He has come to the help of his servant Israel,
he has remembered his mercy as he promised to our fathers,
to Abraham and his children for ever.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.

Prayers and Intercessions

?

Our Redeemer permitted himself to receive baptism in the Jordan, at John’s hands. Let us pray to him: - Lord, send your spirit upon us.
Christ, the Father’s servant, in whom he was well pleased,: send your spirit upon us, Lord.
Christ, Chosen One of God, you did not break the crushed reed or snuff out the smouldering wick:: have compassion for all who seek you in truth.
Christ, Son of God, in the new covenant your Father called you to be the light of the nations:: open the eyes of blind in the waters of baptism.
Christ, saviour of mankind, the Father anointed you with the Spirit and sent you out to save us:: lead all to see you and believe in you, so that they receive eternal life.
Christ, our hope, you lead us from the shadows into the light of salvation:: receive our deceased brethren into your kingdom.

Our Father, who art in Heaven,
hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come,
thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those that trespass against us,
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.

Almighty and eternal God,
Christ was baptized in the river Jordan;
the Holy Spirit descended on him;
you solemnly declared him to be your beloved Son.
You have chosen us to be your children
and you have given us rebirth in the water of the Holy Spirit:
look with favour on us always.

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.
Amen.

May the Lord bless us and keep us from all harm; and may he lead us to eternal life.

A M E N

The Word Among Us

Sunday, January 07, 2007

Meditation
Matthew 2:1-12

The Epiphany of the Lord

Without a doubt, the Magi were big spenders. The gifts they gave to Jesus were about the costliest items you could find in the ancient world. Not only that, they were exactly suited to their recipient: gold, a precious metal that was meant for royalty; frankincense, an oil used for worship; and myrrh, a perfume used in anointing the departed, pointing toward Jesus’ passion and death.

But what about us? What can we give to Jesus today and in the year ahead? Actually, we can offer him something much more valuable than the Magi did—ourselves! He came to earth for us. He lived, died, and rose from the dead for us. The pearl of great price that Jesus gave everything for was us! How can we give him anything less than our lives?

Unfortunately, many of us have a hard time seeing how valuable we are to the Lord. Instead of a shiny, gift-wrapped present, we may see ourselves as a dull, brown-paper package full of weakness and sin. But God is an expert at recycling! He doesn’t waste anything; even our flaws and our greatest failures can be the raw material he uses to teach us, to form us, and to accomplish his plans in us. As St. Paul wrote with such confidence, All things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28).

Let’s not discount the treasure we have in these earthen vessels. We can give the Lord the gold of our talents and gifts, the frankincense of our prayer and worship, and even the myrrh of our sufferings and heartaches. We can release our pain to him, let him take it to his cross, and give us the healing we most need. The key is that we give control of our lives to him. As we do, we will be changed. We will become a gift to our brothers and sisters, and we will change their lives too!

Lord, let this coming year be my gift to you! Take everything I have, and use it to build your kingdom on this earth!

Isaiah 60:1-6; Psalm 72:1-2,7-8,10-13; Ephesians 3:2-3,5-6

One Bread, One Body

<< Sunday, January 7, 2007 >>

Epiphany

Isaiah 60:1-6
Ephesians 3:2-3, 5-6

Psalm 72
Matthew 2:1-12

View Readings

ABOUT FACE

"The star which they had observed at its rising went ahead of them until it came to a standstill over the place where the Child was." —Matthew 2:9

The word "Christmas" is made up of two words: "Christ" and "Mass." The word "Mass" is based on a root word meaning "sent." Until there is a sending, there is no Christ-mas. Until there is an epiphany, a manifestation of Jesus to the nations, there is no Christmas.

The wise men are wise not just because they followed the star to the manger, but also because they went forth and gave the message of the Messiah to the nations. Likewise, the shepherds not only went to the manger but were sent from the manger to tell everyone what they had seen and heard (Lk 2:18).

Almost four billion people on the earth did not have Christmas this year because they had neither Christ nor Mass. We must follow the star and then be the star to a world in darkness (Is 60:2; Phil 2:15). When we see the manger scene, we always see the wise men and shepherds coming. Let's turn them around and have them going from the manger, making disciples of all nations (Mt 28:19) and being the light of the world (Mt 5:14).

Prayer: Jesus, if I tell the world about You, I know that I've had a true Christmas. May I not be ashamed of the gospel (Rm 1:16) but be Your witness (Acts 1:8).

Promise: "In Christ Jesus the Gentiles are now co-heirs with the Jews, members of the same body and sharers of the promise through the preaching of the gospel." —Eph 3:6

Praise: Praise Jesus, Who was made manifest to reveal God's unchanging love for this world.

Compline -- Night Prayer

Compline (Night Prayer)

O God, come to my aid.
O Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen. Alleluia.

This is an excellent moment for an examination of conscience. In a communal celebration of Compline, one of the penitential acts given in the Missal may be recited.

A suitable hymn may be inserted at this point.

Psalm 90 (91)
The protection of the Most High
He will shade you with his wings; you will not fear the terror of the night.
He who lives under the protection of the Most High dwells under the shade of the Almighty. He will say to the Lord: “You are my shelter and my strength, my God, in whom I trust”. For he will free you from the hunter’s snare, from the voice of the slanderer. He will shade you with his wings, you will hide underneath his wings. His faithfulness will be your armour and your shield. You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day; nor the plague that walks in the shadows, nor the death that lays waste at noon. A thousand will fall at your side, at your right hand ten thousand will fall, but you it will never come near. You will look with your eyes and see the reward of sinners. For the Lord is your shelter and refuge; you have made the Most High your dwelling-place. Evil will not reach you, harm cannot approach your tent; for he has set his angels to guard you and keep you safe in all your ways. They will carry you in their arms in case you hurt your foot on a stone. You walk on the viper and cobra, you will tread on the lion and the serpent. Because he clung to me, I shall free him: I shall lift him up because he knows my name. He will call upon me and for my part, I will hear him: I am with him in his time of trouble. I shall rescue him and lead him to glory. I shall fill him with length of days and show him my salvation. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
He will shade you with his wings; you will not fear the terror of the night.

Reading	Apocalypse 22:4-5
They will see the face of the Lord, and his name will be marked on their foreheads. There will be no more night: they will not need sunlight or lamp-light, because the Lord God himself will shine upon them. And they will reign for ever and ever.

Short Responsory	?
Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit. - Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit. You have redeemed us, Lord, God of faithfulness. - Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. - Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit.

Canticle	Nunc Dimittis
Keep us safe, Lord, while we are awake, and guard us as we sleep, so that we can keep watch with Christ and rest in peace.
Now, Master, you let your servant go in peace. You have fulfilled your promise. My own eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all peoples. A light to bring the Gentiles from darkness; the glory of your people Israel. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Keep us safe, Lord, while we are awake, and guard us as we sleep, so that we can keep watch with Christ and rest in peace.

Prayer
Let us pray. Today we have celebrated the mystery of the Christ’s resurrection, and so now we humbly ask you, Lord, that we may rest in your peace, far from all harm, and rise rejoicing and giving praise to you. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.

May the almighty Lord grant us a quiet night and a perfect end.

A M E N

An antiphon to Our Lady should be recited here.

This [deletion from the bogus "ELW"] has happened to a lot of good Roman Catholic hymns also.

Well, what do you expect? They're not only feminazis but also doctrinaire liberal protestants. So many things in the orthodox catholic tradition have got to go, or at least be "altered".

And for anyone who known anything about ranch or farm life, "altered" is the perfect word to describe what they do to a hymn!!!!

Being liberal protestant and feminazi means to be stuck in the 1970s, permanently!!!! Any Christian who cares about youth and the future should run far, far away from feminazi liberal protestantism as fast as possible!!!!

Mt 2:1-12
#	Douay-Rheims	Vulgate
1	When Jesus therefore was born in Bethlehem of Juda, in the days of king Herod, behold, there came wise men from the East to Jerusalem,	cum ergo natus esset Iesus in Bethleem Iudaeae in diebus Herodis regis ecce magi ab oriente venerunt Hierosolymam
2	Saying: Where is he that is born king of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the East, and are come to adore him.	dicentes ubi est qui natus est rex Iudaeorum vidimus enim stellam eius in oriente et venimus adorare eum
3	And king Herod hearing this, was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.	audiens autem Herodes rex turbatus est et omnis Hierosolyma cum illo
4	And assembling together all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, he inquired of them where Christ should be born.	et congregans omnes principes sacerdotum et scribas populi sciscitabatur ab eis ubi Christus nasceretur
5	But they said to him: In Bethlehem of Juda. For so it is written by the prophet:	at illi dixerunt ei in Bethleem Iudaeae sic enim scriptum est per prophetam
6	And thou Bethlehem the land of Juda art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come forth the captain that shall rule my people Israel.	et tu Bethleem terra Iuda nequaquam minima es in principibus Iuda ex te enim exiet dux qui reget populum meum Israhel
7	Then Herod, privately calling the wise men learned diligently of them the time of the star which appeared to them;	tunc Herodes clam vocatis magis diligenter didicit ab eis tempus stellae quae apparuit eis
8	And sending them into Bethlehem, said: Go and diligently inquire after the child, and when you have found him, bring me word again, that I also may come and adore him.	et mittens illos in Bethleem dixit ite et interrogate diligenter de puero et cum inveneritis renuntiate mihi ut et ego veniens adorem eum
9	Who having heard the king, went their way; and behold the star which they had seen in the East, went before them, until it came and stood over where the child was.	qui cum audissent regem abierunt et ecce stella quam viderant in oriente antecedebat eos usque dum veniens staret supra ubi erat puer
10	And seeing the star they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.	videntes autem stellam gavisi sunt gaudio magno valde
11	And entering into the house, they found the child with Mary his mother, and falling down they adored him: and opening their treasures, they offered him gifts; gold, frankincense, and myrrh.	et intrantes domum invenerunt puerum cum Maria matre eius et procidentes adoraverunt eum et apertis thesauris suis obtulerunt ei munera aurum tus et murram
12	And having received an answer in sleep that they should not return to Herod, they went back another way into their country.	et responso accepto in somnis ne redirent ad Herodem per aliam viam reversi sunt in regionem suam

Adoration

Master of the Vienna Adoration

c. 1410
Tempera on lindenwood, 26 x 22 cm Museum of Fine Arts, Budapest

The Universal King


The Universal King

January 7, 2007

Up ‘til now, all has been quite humble. A donkey ride to a dusty town south of Jerusalem. Hotel rooms all booked up. Giving birth in a stable and laying the baby in an animal's feed trough instead of a cozy cradle.

Into this scene of obscure poverty suddenly bursts an exotic entourage from a far-off land. Dignitaries in sumptuous dress lavish the newborn with expensive gifts that seem out of place in the humble surroundings.

This event is so significant that it is accorded its own feast in the Roman liturgy, celebrated traditionally on January 6, the twelfth day of Christmas. This solemn feast is called Epiphany, a word that means "manifestation" or "appearance."

What seems to be no more than another crying baby of an indigent family for a brief moment "appears" as Who He really is — the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. The gifts He is given, prophesied in Isaiah 60:6, tell the story: gold fit for a king, incense for the worship of God, and myrrh, bitter yet precious, for the hero Who will lay down His life for His people.

There are several important things to note about these prestigious visitors. They are Gentiles, not Jews. From the very beginning of His human existence, then, Jesus was clearly not just the Jewish Messiah Who had come to deliver the people of Israel from foreign oppression. No, He is the universal king, the ruler of all, Who has come to tear down the wall of hostility dividing Jew from Gentile, nation from nation.

If you've ever wondered what the word "catholic" means, here we have it. Derived from Greek words meaning "according to the whole," it means that Christ did not come to establish some local religious sect for a select few, one "cult" among many. No, the Church He founded is "Catholic" or universal, spread over the whole world, welcoming the whole human race into one nation, one family, under one King.

Something else about these illustrious visitors. As Gentiles, they are pagans. In fact the term "magi" is clearly linked to the word "magic." It was not in the Bible that they normally looked for wisdom (otherwise they would have known to go straight to Bethlehem). But in reward for their ardent though perhaps misguided search for truth, God, in His great mercy, led them to Christ anyhow.

Ever since the days of Balaam, God has shown us that pagans can be mysteriously drawn to Him and used by Him, at times even through their own imperfect traditions of wisdom. If you go to the Sistine Chapel and study Michelangelo's work, you can see evidence of this. Lining the top of one wall of the chapel are paintings of many of the Old Testament prophets. Opposite them are not the New Testament Apostles as one may expect, but rather a row of the Sybils, the prophetesses of the ancient world, in whose oracles were discovered shadowy allusions to a future savior-king. One of Michelangelo's Sybils has her mouth agape with astonishment, her eyes fixed on the fresco of the risen Christ at the back of the chapel. Indeed, the deepest desires of all peoples, the elements of truth found in all their religions and philosophies, are fulfilled in Christ.

Does this mean that all religions are equal and that we should "not impose our ideas" upon others? Not at all. St. Justin said that there are "seeds of the Word" scattered throughout the world. But seeds are meant to sprout, grow, and bear fruit. Hearing the full Gospel and partaking in all the means of grace are ordinarily needed to make that happen. All peoples of the world have a right to this "Catholic" fullness. And it is our obligation to share it. Paul VI said it well: "Others may be able to be saved without hearing the Gospel, but can we be saved if we neglect to preach it?"

Dr. D'Ambrosio studied under Avery Cardinal Dulles for his Ph.D. in historical theology and taught for many years at the University of Dallas. He now directs www.crossroadsinitiative.com, which offers Catholic resources for RCIA, adult faith formation, and teens, with a special emphasis on the Year of the Eucharist, the Theology of the Body, the early Church Fathers, and the sacrament of confirmation.

(This article originally appeared in Our Sunday Visitor and is used by permission of the author.)