New Year to Epiphany

This New Year weekend leads to the Solemnity of the Epiphany that will be celebrated on January 2. The Solemnity recalls the magi following the star that leads them to the manger scene and the baby Jesus. Upon finding the newborn King, they do him homage and then offer him the gifts that they brought: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. According to one source, these gifts were highly symbolic: "Gold is the 'king of metals' and is, therefore, symbolic of Jesus' kingship; Frankincense is used in worship and is, therefore, symbolic of Jesus' divinity; Lastly, myrrh is used in burials and is symbolic of Jesus' humanity" (Link, Mark- Vision 2000, 55). As we celebrate the Solemnity of the Epiphany, we can ask ourselves, "What gifts do we bring to the newborn King?" Since we are beginning a brand new year, 2011, perhaps we can use that question for our time of prayer and see what we can give to the Lord in this new year. We can say that the magi are good examples of stewardship because they gave of their gifts, their treasure to the Lord. We are called each day to be stewards, giving of our time, talent, and treasure. We pray that we may be good stewards, offering the gifts that we have received back to the Lord, because everything that we have is a gift from Him. On this solemnity, let us fall on our knees in homage to the newborn King and offer our gifts to him because we are to give back to God what he has given to us! A Happy and Blessed New Year to you!!!