Bible Study Bible Study GuideGuide

Solemnity of the Epiphany of Our LordSolemnity of the Epiphany of Our LordJanuary 3, 2016January 3, 2016

1st Reading: Isaiah 60,1-6• 1 Rise up in splendor! Your light has come, the glory

of the Lord shines upon you. 2 See, darkness covers the earth, and thick clouds cover the peoples; But upon you the LORD shines, and over you appears his glory. 3 Nations shall walk by your light, and kings by your shining radiance. 4 Raise your eyes and look about; they all gather and come to you: Your sons come from afar, and your daughters in the arms of their nurses. 5 Then you shall be radiant at what you see, your heart shall throb and overflow, for the riches of the sea shall be emptied out before you, the wealth of nations shall be brought to you. 6 Caravans of camels shall fill you, dromedaries from Midian and Ephah; All from Sheba shall come bearing gold and frankincense, and proclaiming the praises of the LORD.

The focus is on the meaning of light/radiance.

1st Reading: Isaiah 60,1-6Imperatives• 1 Rise up in splendor! Your light has come, the glory of the Lord

shines upon you. 2 See, darkness covers the earth, and thick clouds cover the peoples; But upon you the LORD shines, and over you appears his glory. 3 Nations shall walk by your light, and kings by your shining radiance.

• 4 Raise your eyes and look about; they all gather and come to you: Your sons come from afar, and your daughters in the arms of their nurses.

Consequences/results• 5 Then you shall be radiant at what you see, your heart shall

throb and overflow, for the riches of the sea shall be emptied out before you, the wealth of nations shall be brought to you. 6 Caravans of camels shall fill you, dromedaries from Midian and Ephah; All from Sheba shall come bearing gold and frankincense, and proclaiming the praises of the LORD.

Textual Context of Isaiah 60,1-6• First Isaiah - 1-39• Second Isaiah - 40-55• Third Isaiah - 56-66

• The second and third Isaiahs were written 200 years after the Isaiah of Jerusalem. Less than half of First Isaiah contains the words of the prophet himself. The remainder was work of unknown authors over hundred years (like Is 24-27 and 34-35).

Textual Context of Isaiah 60,1-6

In the New Evangelization, we proclaim again and again that Jesus is our redeemer.

Third Isaiah

1st Reading: Isaiah 60,1-6Imperatives• 1 Rise up in splendor! Your light has

come, the glory of the Lord shines upon you. 2 See, darkness covers the earth, and thick clouds cover the peoples; But upon you the LORD shines, and over you appears his glory. 3 Nations shall walk by your light, and kings by your shining radiance.

• 4 Raise your eyes and look about; they all gather and come to you: Your sons come from afar, and your daughters in the arms of their nurses.

Consequences/results• 5 Then you shall be radiant at what

you see, your heart shall throb and overflow, for the riches of the sea shall be emptied out before you, the wealth of nations shall be brought to you. 6 Caravans of camels shall fill you, dromedaries from Midian and Ephah; All from Sheba shall come bearing gold and frankincense, and proclaiming the praises of the LORD.

Commentary• Our reading, in poetry, comes from Trito-Isaiah (56-

66), written after the Babylonian Exile, addressed to the people of Zion (Jerusalem).

• Light is a powerful concept/imagery that provokes hope and a welcoming attitude.

• Christian interpretation refers the light to Jesus.• The coming of the light gathers together the

peoples, the nations, the sons and the daughters in one place. (All are united at the coming of the light/glory of God).

• Results from listening to the imperatives of the prophet (vv.5-6):– You shall be radiant.– Your heart shall throb, overflow.– Riches of the sea, wealth of nations be yours.– Caravans shall fill you, dromedaries (camels).– All from Sheba come bearing gold and

frankincense.

Reflections on the 1st reading• We cannot always describe God’s actions upon us, in

plain language; the author uses a poetic language.• Poetic language stirs the heart and the imagination; it

speaks more.• The text calls for rejoicing, for participation, for gathering.• It asks for convergence of peoples into this one light.• Nations and peoples experience darkness (wars,

desperation, confusion). Now the light has come.• Each believer must respond with docility to the call of the

prophet (God) in order to witness the glory / radiance of God.

Resp. Psalm: Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13

• R. (cf. 11) Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.

• 1 O God, with your judgment endow the king,and with your justice, the king’s son;2 He shall govern your people with justiceand your afflicted ones with judgment.

• 7 Justice shall flower in his days,and profound peace, till the moon be no more.8 May he rule from sea to sea,and from the River to the ends of the earth.

• 10 The kings of Tarshish and the Isles shall offer gifts;the kings of Arabia and Seba shall bring tribute.11 All kings shall pay him homage,all nations shall serve him.

• 12 For he shall rescue the poor when he cries out,and the afflicted when he has no one to help him.13 He shall have pity for the lowly and the poor;the lives of the poor he shall save.

Resp. Psalm: Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13• R. (cf. 11) Lord, every nation on earth

will adore you.

• 1 O God, with your judgment endow the king, and with your justice, the king’s son;2 He shall govern your people with justice and your afflicted ones with judgment.

• 7 Justice shall flower in his days,and profound peace, till the moon be no more.8 May he rule from sea to sea,and from the River to the ends of the earth.

• 10 The kings of Tarshish and the Isles shall offer gifts; the kings of Arabia and Seba shall bring tribute.11 All kings shall pay him homage,all nations shall serve him.

• 12 For he shall rescue the poor when he cries out, and the afflicted when he has no one to help him.13 He shall have pity for the lowly and the poor; the lives of the poor he shall save.

Commentary• In v.1, the psalmist prays for the

king that he may have a right judgment.

• He also prays for the king’s son (successor) to teach him the sense of justice.

• In this way, the king will govern with justice and judgment. V.2

• Vv.7-8 talk of the extent of justice (and peace): It will flourish in all his regnal years and territories.

• In vv.10-11, even kings of other lands will recognize his reign, giving tributes.

• Vv.12-13 talks of the priorities of this just king: – the poor, the afflicted, the

lowly

Reflections on the Psalm• We do not only pray for the poor and the oppressed, but

also for those in authority.• We, Christians, need to help form good (just and

righteous) leaders in our land.• Whether we like it or not, they (the political leaders) are

here to stay. It is worse if the clergy become political leaders themselves.

• Leaders should pattern their rule to that of a just king with right judgment. He looks after the common good.

• Jesus is the model of a servant-leader.• Without saying it, the psalm rules out leaders, whose

mind and judgment are clouded by profit and self-interest and political ambitions.

2nd Reading: Ephesians 3,2-3.5-6

• 2 You have heard of the stewardship of God's grace that was given to me for your benefit, 3 (namely, that) the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly earlier.

• 5 It was not made known to human beings in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit, 6 that the Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and copartners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.

The focus is on the mystery (secret) which is now revealed to all.

Textual Context of Ephesians 3,2-3.5-6

• OUTLINE OF THE LETTER OF THE EPHESIANS (Hahn and Mitch, 2005)

• 1. Opening Address (1:1-2)• 2. Doctrinal Exposition (1:3-3:21)• A. Divine Origin of the Church (1:3-14)• B. Prayer for the Church (1:15-23)• C. Building Up the Church (2:1-22)• D. Mystery of the Church (3:1-13)• E. Prayer for the Church (3:14-21)• 3. Moral Exhortation (4:1-6:20)• A. Unity of the Church (4:1-16)• B. Moral Maturity in the Church (4:17-5:20)• C. Household Life in the Church (5:21-6:9)• D. Spiritual Warfare in the Church (6:10-20)• 4. Closing Farewell (6:21-24)

Ephesus

2nd Reading: Ephesians 3,2-3.5-6• 2 You have heard of the

stewardship of God's grace that was given to me for your benefit, 3 (namely, that) the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly earlier.

• 5 It was not made known to human beings in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit, 6 that the Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and copartners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.

Commentary• First, it was only Paul(!) to whom

God revealed this mystery.• Now it is also revealed to the

apostles and prophets (v.5).• The revelation is that the

Gentiles (non-Jews) are also co-heirs/ members/ co-partners (v.6).

• These privileges are no longer monopolized by his fellow Jews.

• God embraces everyone (Jews and Gentiles alike).

• In Jesus, there is a place for everyone.

Reflections on the 2nd reading• God reveals himself, through his Son, to everyone.• God reveals not only to Paul, but also to the apostles,

prophets and Gentiles.• With this revelation, everyone, Jew or Gentile, is

destined to go to heaven.• The text teaches the universality of God’s love and

salvation.• God’s grace is not exclusive to Paul or to some special

chosen people.• With Jesus, the time has come to break the barriers of

monopoly, exclusion, isolation and division.

Gospel Reading: Matthew 2,1-12• 1 When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King

Herod, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, 2 saying, "Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage." 3 When King Herod heard this, he was greatly troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 They said to him, "In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it has been written through the prophet: 6 '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.'" 7 Then Herod called the magi secretly and ascertained from them the time of the star's appearance. 8 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." 9 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. 10 They were overjoyed at seeing the star, 11 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. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way.

The focus is on the coming of the Magi.

Gospel Reading: Matthew 2,1-12The magi• 1 When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, magi

from the east arrived in Jerusalem, 2 saying, "Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage."

King Herod• 3 When King Herod heard this, he was greatly troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4

Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born.

Chief priests and scribes• 5 They said to him, "In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it has been written through the

prophet: 6 '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.'"

Herod• 7Then Herod called the magi secretly and ascertained from them the time of the star's

appearance. 8 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."

The magi• 9 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. 10 They were overjoyed at seeing the star, 11 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. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way.

Notice the characters and concentric structure!

Nazareth

Bethlehem

Gospel Reading: Matthew 2,1-12The magi• 1 When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in

the days of King Herod, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, 2 saying, "Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage."

King Herod• 3 When King Herod heard this, he was greatly

troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born.

Chief priests and scribes• 5 They said to him, "In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus

it has been written through the prophet: 6 '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.'"

Herod• 7Then Herod called the magi secretly and

ascertained from them the time of the star's appearance. 8 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."

The magi• 9 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. 10 They were overjoyed at seeing the star, 11 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. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way.

CommentaryThe text is peculiar to Matthew.Take note of the appearance of the

characters and what they particularly do:

• Magi– They looked for Jesus, to do

homage (v.2)– They followed the guiding star

(v.9)– Overjoyed at seeing the star (v.10)– Prostrated, did him homage (v.11)– Opened gifts (v.11)– They returned another way (v.12)

• Herod– Troubled at the news (v.3)– Assembled experts (v.4) – Sent magi to Bethlehem (v.8)– Pretended to be interested

• Experts– Quoted Mica correctly(v.5)

Gospel Reading: Matthew 2,1-12The magi• 1 When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the

days of King Herod, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, 2 saying, "Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage."

King Herod• 3 When King Herod heard this, he was greatly

troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born.

Chief priests and scribes• 5 They said to him, "In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it

has been written through the prophet: 6 '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.'"

Herod• 7Then Herod called the magi secretly and ascertained

from them the time of the star's appearance. 8 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."

The magi• 9 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. 10 They were overjoyed at seeing the star, 11 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. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way.

• The magi exhibited their interest in encountering Jesus. They traveled far and wide. They searched for signs. They even stumbled at King Herod.

• King Herod is disturbed at the inquiry of the magi (where is the newborn king?) He does not expect to be dethroned soon. At this stage, he misinterpreted the kingship of Jesus and will have a devastating effect.

• The author used the two main characters to portray different attitudes towards the birth of Jesus.

Reflections on the gospel reading• Through a star, God guides his people to draw close to

his Son.• We can find Christ if we search for Him.• Searching means leaving your comfort zones, taking

risks, asking questions, paying attention to the signs, and being focused.

• You can find Christ if you have a pure heart and mind. You will never find Him if you have a bad intention (to destroy, to kill, like Herod).

• The child Jesus is for everyone.• When you find Christ, what is your gift to him?• A gift is something that comes out of you. You give it

with reverence. You don’t take it back. It must be meaningful and symbolic, appreciative of who Jesus is.

Tying the 3 readings and the Psalm

• The first reading invites the peoples to converge to the light shining (God manifesting his glory).

• The psalm shows (manifests) what kind of king is the one coming.

• The second reading reveals (manifests) our final destiny.

• The gospel reading tells the story how Jesus manifests himself to all.

How to develop your sharing

• Begin by reminding the congregation that today we celebrate the feast of the manifestation (epiphany) of our Lord Jesus.

• Discuss the meaning of epiphany.– Jesus manifests himself to us, not only to the Jews, to

Mama Mary and to Joseph, but to all people who laboriously and humbly approach him and recognize him as Savior and King.

• Jesus’ manifestation fulfills the prophecy of old as indicated in the first reading: – all nations gather together, all peoples see the

light.• Seeing the light means living in unity and

harmony.• There is a great rejoicing. People who were

once separated are now reunited.• There is an abundance of food. • The magi represent the peoples seeing the

light (Jesus).• Are our families united around Jesus?

• In the second reading, Paul testifies that now God reveals to all men and women what he has kept secret from of old.

• No one is excluded from God’s revelation and mysteries.

• All believers are destined to go to heaven.• Heaven is the state wherein we believers

converge together before God.• Do you realize how God brings you closer to

himself? (not just in Jerusalem or in Bethlehem, but now in heaven!) or in the liturgy?

• The gospel reading portrays how Jesus manifests himself.

• He allows himself to be visited by these unknown foreigners.

• The magi represent the nations and peoples who are searching for God, for a King.

• God has given them directions.

• After encountering Him in Bethlehem, they go back to their own lands, taking another path.

• You may ask the congregation the following questions:– Are searching for Jesus with a pure mind?– Do you think you have found him?– What are your gifts to him?– Are you happy with him? Is there any change

in your ways and direction after having found him?

• Let us not fool ourselves by believing that we have found Jesus and that we know him totally. Therefore, there is no need for ongoing formation. No!

• Christian life is a continuous, a non-stopcontinuous, a non-stop search for Jesus.

• Christian life is a continuouscontinuous journey towards God, a continuous discernment and struggle to find him, in different ways and in different situations.

• We take directions by – reading the Holy Scriptures – reflecting on Christ’s teachings – listening and fulfilling the teachings of the

Church – reviewing the documents of Vatican II and the

Catechism of the Catholic Church in this Year of Faith

– encountering with the poor and the needy– praying.

• If we stop doing these (following those guiding lights), we will never find him. God will never appear to us.

• Christian life is also a journey with our co-searchers, with the Church.

• We don’t search for him all alone by ourselves, without our fellow believers and shepherds.

• We must have co-journeyers.• We must be in dialogue with one another.

• In the eucharist, Christ manifests himself to us.

• The eucharist is the sacrament of encounter with Christ.

• When we join the eucharistic celebration, we find Christ in his house and converge before him as one human family.

Our Context of Sin and Grace• Charlatans • Isolationism• Lazy to read the Bible• Lazy to attend

recollections and retreat

• Lazy to pray• No love for the poor• No sense of the future

• Ecumenism• Universalism• Internationalism• Globalism• Research• Dialogue• Discernment