6 Jan
Sun
Epiphany of the Lord (C)
Is. 60:1-6
Ps. 71(72): 2,7-8,10-11,12-13
Eph. 3:2-3,5-6
Mt. 2:1-12
(Psalter proper)
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Today's feast is telling us that for God there are no foreigners, no outsiders. From his point of view, all are equally his beloved children. We all, whatever externalphysical or cultural differences there may be between us, belong to one single family which has one Father, "our" Father. It means that every one of us is a brother and sister to everyone else. There is no room for discrimination of any kind based on nationality, race, religion, class or occupation. There cannot be a single exception to this position. The message is loud and clear. We thank God today that there is no "Chosen People" whether they be Jews or Christians (or even Catholics). Let us try to understand more deeply God's closeness to every one of us which is also a reason for us to be close to each other. There are no outsiders. All are called - be it the Mother of Jesus, the rich and the poor, the privileged and the lonely, the healthy and the sick, the saints and the sinners. Yet, we can become outsiders. We do that every time we make someone else an outsider, whether we do that individually, as a family, a community, or an ethnic grouping. To make even a single other person on outsider, that is, to deny them the love and respect which belongs equally to all, is to make an outsider of oneself. It is to join the ranks of the Pharisees, the chief priests and every other practitioner of bigotry.



All nations shall fall prostrate before You, O Lord.

DAILY OFFERING
Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.

PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
INTENTION
That in this Year of Faith Christians may deepen their knowledge of the mystery of Christ and witness joyfully to the gift of faith in him.
Elaboration

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