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Sunday, January 2, 2011

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Epiphany


Isaiah 60:1-6
Ephesians 3:2-3, 5-6
Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-13
Matthew 2:1-12

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seeing in the dark and rising in the light

"Nations shall walk by Your light, and kings by Your shining radiance." —Isaiah 60:3

On this feast of Epiphany, the Lord commands us to "rise up in splendor" (Is 60:1). He has come into our lives, given us a new nature, and loved us tenderly this Christmas season.

Considering all the Lord has done for us and seeing the darkness that covers most of the earth (Is 60:2), we must rise up to carry the light of Jesus. We must not only watch the wise men and women as they follow the star to Christ, but also follow them as they take the gospel to the nations.

Rise up and witness for Jesus (Acts 1:8). Rise up and make disciples of all nations (Mt 28:19). Begin with your family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors. Then reach out to your city, country, and world.

Rise up in the splendor of evangelization. Put the gold of your possessions, the frankincense of your prayer (see Rv 5:8), and the myrrh of your suffering at the feet of Jesus for the spread of the gospel.

If you have a new nature in Jesus, you must rise up. If you can see in the dark, you must rise up. Put every detail of your life at the service of world evangelization. See in the dark; rise in the light!

Prayer:  Father, make every part of my body and every detail of my life instruments for righteousness (see Rm 6:13).

Promise:  "They prostrated themselves and did Him homage. Then they opened their coffers and presented Him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh." —Mt 2:11

Praise:  Praise Jesus, "manifested in the flesh, vindicated in the Spirit; seen by the angels, preached among the Gentiles, believed in throughout the world, taken up into glory" (1 Tm 3:16).

Reference:  (For a related teaching, order our tape Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Evangelization on audio AV 58-3 or video V-58.)

Rescript:  †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, May 28, 2010

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