2nd Sunday of Christmas / The Epiphany of the Lord: Sunday, 5th January 2025

Dear Reader,

This week’s newsletter takes into account the differing liturgical celebrations between Ireland and the regions of England, Scotland, and Wales. While the 2nd Sunday of Christmas is observed in Ireland, the feast of The Epiphany of the Lord is celebrated in England, Scotland, and Wales. Each celebration carries its unique themes and readings, reflecting profound aspects of the Incarnation and God’s revelation to humanity.

Below, you will find separate sections for each observance. Each includes the usual features: a Quick Glance Summary, the Gospel text, a Gospel overview, contextual connections, and detailed reflection questions.

For Ireland: 2nd Sunday of Christmas (Year B)

Date: 5th January 2025

Quick Glance Summary

• Theme: The Word Made Flesh and Dwelling Among Us.
• Key Message: God’s eternal wisdom, through Christ, becomes incarnate to give us the grace, truth, and the life that will guide our way to God.
• First Reading: Ecclesiasticus (Sirach) 24:1–2, 8–12 God’s wisdom takes root among the people that are especially his.
• Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 147:12–15, 19–20 Praise the Lord, who has revealed His word and granted His blessings to his people.
• Second Reading: Ephesians 1:3–6, 15–18 Paul praises God for His blessings in Christ. What hope God has given us in Christ!
• Gospel: John 1:1–18 The prologue of John’s Gospel proclaims Christ as the eternal Word made flesh, full of grace and truth, bringing light to the world and making known the Father’s Heart.

Gospel: John 1:1–18

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came to be through him, and without him nothing came to be. What came to be through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race; the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

A man named John was sent from God. He came for testimony, to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.

He was in the world, and the world came to be through him, but the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, but his own people did not accept him. But to those who did accept him he gave power to become children of God, to those who believe in his name, who were born not by natural generation nor by human choice nor by a man’s decision but of God.

And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father’s only Son, full of grace and truth. John testified to him and cried out, saying, “This was he of whom I said, ‘The one who is coming after me ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.’” From his fullness we have all received, grace in place of grace, because while the law was given through Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. The only Son, God, who is at the Father’s side, has revealed him.

Overview of the Gospel Passage

John’s prologue proclaims the divinity of Christ, the Word through whom all creation came to be. It highlights the incarnation—Christ taking on human flesh to dwell among us and reveal the fullness of God’s grace and truth. While some rejected Him, those who accepted Him became children of God. This passage invites us to marvel at the mystery of God becoming human to bring us eternal life.

Connecting the Gospel to Today’s Context

This passage speaks powerfully to a world searching for meaning in the midst of darkness. Christ, the eternal Word, offers light and life, addressing humanity’s deepest yearnings for truth, belonging and love. 

In today’s secularised society, where all values are effectively obliterated by the exaltation of ‘tolerance’ - where even life itself is weighted in the balance against productivity and monetary costs - the message of the Incarnation remains: God has entered into the depths of the human condition (even to being rejected) - so as to bring us back to the greatest love of all: the love that is God our Father’s heart for us. For God, nothing outweighs being united with human beings, whether in the lowest moments (of loss and dejection) or in the most exalted moments (of love and the joy & wonder of just being alive).  

Reflection Questions with Responses

1. Who or what groups might find these readings especially helpful?

• Those feeling distant from God may be comforted by the idea of Christ dwelling among us.
• People discerning their faith can see how God offers grace and truth to all who accept Him.
• Families and individuals seeking hope in challenging times are reminded of the light that overcomes darkness.

2. What human weaknesses do they address, and what virtues do they aim to strengthen?

• The readings challenge human pride and resistance to God’s love. They encourage humility, faith, and openness to grace.
• The psalm highlights the place of gratitude, recognising God in our blessings, and the privilege of knowing His word.

3. What is the feeling tone of each reading?

• Ecclesiasticus is serene and celebratory, depicting wisdom dwelling with God’s people.
• Psalm 147 is joyful and grateful, praising God’s abundant care.
• Ephesians exudes reverence and hope, praying for deeper understanding.
• John’s Gospel is majestic, filled with awe and wonder at the incarnation, while acknowledging the rejection that would come.

4. Which saints or well-known figures exemplify the message of each reading?

• St. John the Evangelist, who proclaimed Christ as the Word, reflects the Gospel’s message.
• St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein), who wrote about the relationship between faith and truth, embodies the Gospel's call to grace and wisdom.
• Pope St. John Paul II, who emphasised human dignity and God’s closeness, echoes the readings’ themes.

5. What works of art, poems, or pieces of music provide insight into the message?

• The Creation of Adam by Michelangelo captures humanity’s intimate connection with God.
• The hymn O Word of God Incarnate reflects on the mystery of the incarnation.
• John Milton’s poem On the Morning of Christ’s Nativity celebrates Christ’s arrival as light in a darkened world.

6. Where has the message of these readings been true in my life or those close to me, and is there a story I can share about that?

• You might share a moment when you experienced God’s presence in a tangible way - a time when His light dispelled confusion or darkness in your life. Such a story can illustrate the Gospel’s enduring power to transform.

For England, Scotland & Wales: The Epiphany of the Lord (Year B)

Date: 5th January 2025

Quick Glance Summary

• Theme: Christ, the Light of the Nations.
• Key Message: The manifestation of Christ to the world calls all people to seek Him with open hearts and to offer their lives in worship.
• First Reading: Isaiah 60:1–6The glory of the Lord rises over Jerusalem, drawing nations and kings to its light, with wealth and worship pouring in from afar.
• Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 72:1–2, 7–8, 10–13A prayer for the King who brings justice and peace, ruling with compassion for the poor and needy.
• Second Reading: Ephesians 3:2–3, 5–6Paul proclaims the mystery revealed: Gentiles are co-heirs, part of the same body, and sharers in the promise of Christ.
• Gospel: Matthew 2:1–12The Magi journey to find the newborn King of the Jews, guided by a star, offering Him gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Gospel: 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 Christ 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.

Overview of the Gospel Passage

The Magi’s journey exemplifies the universal call to salvation, as Christ reveals Himself to all peoples, symbolised by the Gentile Magi. Their gifts—gold for kingship, frankincense for divinity, and myrrh foreshadowing death—testify to Jesus’ identity and mission. Herod’s fearful response highlights the clash between earthly power and the humility of divine kingship. The Epiphany celebrates Christ as the Light of the World, guiding those who seek Him with sincerity and faith.

Connecting the Gospel to Today’s Context

In our modern world, the Magi's search reflects humanity's ongoing quest for truth, meaning, and purpose. The star they followed serves as a metaphor for the many ways God calls us: through beauty, the voice of conscience, and encounters with others. Herod’s response reminds us of the resistance to transformation and the fear of losing control, a struggle mirrored in contemporary resistance to faith and moral truth. The Magi’s journey encourages us to seek Christ amidst life’s distractions and offer Him the best of ourselves.

Theme One: Reflecting on the Three Gifts

Reflecting on the gift of Gold. In what way do you and I need to be led? Could we say that the direction of our lives is for our good at present? Are all our choices leading us to a good place? To what extent do we think of Jesus as our leader? Do we see him as someone with a wisdom and truth that is essential for us to live by? 

Reflecting on the gift of Frankincense. Do we live totally on a day-to-day basis? Does the question of the meaning of our lives ever arise? Given that we are here only for a limited span of time, what is the significance behind any of our efforts? What meaning does our longings and our desiring have? What sense of God do we have? What is our connection to God like? Would our answer line up with Jesus’s teaching about God being a loving Father? 

Reflection on the gift of Myrrh. In our lives just now is there the experience of suffering (our own or others we love)? How does that line up with who Jesus is? Does it occur to you and I that Jesus is with us in our suffering? Could we pause more in daily life to open ourselves to his presence, especially to pray over the present difficulties and setbacks? 

Theme Two: Count Your Blessings

The tradition of Christmas gifts connects with the Magi. All the gifts are given to honour the child. This might be a moment to dwell on what is signified in the individual gifts we receive at Christmas. This might be an opportunity to look back on the overall gift that the whole Christmas period might have been for us. 

Theme Three: Be a Star

Today, we are called to be "stars" leading others to Christ through our words and actions. Pope Paul VI said, “Modern man listens more willingly to witnesses than to teachers, and if he does listen to teachers, it is because they are witnesses”. To see holiness, goodness, justice, charity and mercy may not be to see God directly but it is to see who God is. It is no favour to give people teaching about God (theology) without the witness of these virtues (morality). 

Reflection Questions with Responses

1. Who or what groups might find these readings especially helpful?These readings speak to those seeking direction in life, such as young people discerning their path, families navigating challenges, or those new to the faith. The image of the Magi reminds us that seekers from all backgrounds can find their way to Christ.
2. What human weaknesses do they address, and what virtues do they aim to strengthen?
   The readings address pride, fear of change, and materialism (seen in Herod’s reaction). They call us to humility, openness, and generosity, as demonstrated by the Magi’s homage and gifts.
3. What is the feeling tone of each reading?

• Isaiah exudes hope and triumph as nations are drawn to God’s light.
• The psalm is prayerful and reverent, celebrating justice and compassion.
• Ephesians feels unifying and joyful, revealing the inclusivity of God’s plan.
• The Gospel blends awe and joy with the underlying tension of Herod’s deceit.

4. Which saints or well-known figures exemplify the message of each reading?

• St. Francis Xavier, who brought Christ’s light to foreign lands, reflects Isaiah’s call to the nations.
• St. Teresa of Calcutta, embodying the psalm’s vision of compassion for the needy.
• St. Paul, the author of Ephesians, exemplifies the proclamation of the mystery of Christ.
• The Magi themselves, remembered as saints, represent faith and perseverance.

5. What works of art, poems, or pieces of music provide insight into the message?

• The painting Adoration of the Magi by Botticelli captures the wonder of the Magi’s visit.
• T.S. Eliot’s poem Journey of the Magi reflects the spiritual and physical challenges of seeking Christ.
• The hymn We Three Kings meditates on the significance of the Magi’s gifts.

6. Where has the message of these readings been true in my life or those close to me, and is there a story I can share about that?
   Consider sharing a time when you or someone close to you felt drawn to Christ through unexpected means—a conversation, a moment of beauty, or an act of kindness. This can illuminate how God’s light continues to guide us today.