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Word To Life
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Sunday Scripture Readings, Jan. 3, 2010
By Jeff Hedglen
Catholic News Service
January 3, The Epiphany of the Lord.
Cycle C Readings:
1) Isaiah 60:1-6
Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-13
2) Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6
Gospel: Matthew 2:1-12
I hardly ever look up at a clear night sky and not think of three people who traversed afar, over field and fountain, moor and mountain, following yonder star. There is something magical about the sparkling lights in the dark dome above that make me feel the power of God. Since I am a city boy, there have been only a few times in my life when I was blessed to see the stars far from the dimming effects of electricity. There simply are no words for the wonder and awe the scene inspires.
Many years ago, on the feast of the Epiphany, my former pastor asked a question during his sermon. "Are you following the star?" he wanted to know. He didn't mean literally. What he was asking was: Were people following Jesus in their lives? Who has been just as transformed by this star, as the Magi in the reading from Matthew?
He asked the question a few times, and it became clear that it was not rhetorical -- he wanted someone to answer out loud. I could sense that realization dawn on the people assembled. Once we knew what he wanted, was anyone going to step up to the plate and say how they are following Jesus, the light of their life?
After a few uncomfortable moments, one person raised his hand. He was handed the microphone and briefly answered the question. Then another hand went up and then another. This went on for quite a while. It was an amazing sight to see so many people giving testimony to who Jesus was to them. Though each person who answered the question had a different story, at that Mass it became clear that we are all the Magi following the star.
Years later that question comes to my mind almost every time I see a star. It is a nightly reminder that I have to be a follower of Jesus and that he is not just a motionless star, but the light that moves me closer to him.
QUESTIONS:
Are you following the star? What does "follow the star" mean to you? Have you ever shared with another person who Jesus is to you and why you follow him?
SCRIPTURE TO BE ILLUSTRATED:
"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 prostrated themselves and did him homage" (Matthew 2:9, 11).
END
Copyright © 2009 Catholic News Service/U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS Word To Life column may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service.
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