The Epiphany of the Lord

1/4/2026 (Sunday) Today’s Gospel reading: Matthew 2:1-12

1 When Jesus had been born in Bethlehem of Judah, in the days of king Herod, behold, Magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem,
2 saying: “Where is he who was born king of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east, and we have come to adore him.”
3 Now king Herod, hearing this, was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him.
4 And gathering together all the leaders of the priests, and the scribes of the people, he consulted with them as to where the Christ would be born.
5 And they said to him: “In Bethlehem of Judea. For so it has been written by the prophet:
6 ‘And you, Bethlehem, the land of Judah, are by no means least among the leaders of Judah. For from you shall go forth the ruler who shall guide my people Israel.’”
7 Then Herod, quietly calling the Magi, diligently learned from them the time when the star appeared to them.
8 And sending them into Bethlehem, he said: “Go and diligently ask questions about the boy. And when you have found him, report back to me, so that I, too, may come and adore him.”
9 And when they had heard the king, they went away. And behold, the star that they had seen in the east went before them, even until, arriving, it stood still above the place where the child was.
10 Then, seeing the star, they were gladdened by a very great joy.
11 And entering the home, they found the boy with his mother Mary. And so, falling prostrate, they adored him. And opening their treasures, they offered him gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
12 And having received a response in sleep that they should not return to Herod, they went back by another way to their own region.

1/4/2026 (Sunday) Today’s Gospel reading: Matthew 2:1-12

The story of the Magi invites us to reflect on the journey of seeking, discerning, and offering our lives to what truly matters. The Magi were not part of the religious elite, yet they were attentive to signs and courageous enough to follow them. Their journey reminds us that God often reaches people in unexpected ways and that faith sometimes begins with a question rather than certainty.

In the modern world, many people are searching. Some look for meaning through success, others through relationships, possessions, or recognition. Like the Magi, we are surrounded by signs that invite us to look deeper, yet following them requires effort. The Magi did not stay where they were; they traveled far, faced uncertainty, and risked misunderstanding. Today, seeking truth may mean stepping away from comfortable routines, questioning unhealthy patterns, or choosing values that go against popular opinion. For example, a young professional may turn down a lucrative but unethical opportunity, or a student may choose honesty over cheating even when pressure is high. These decisions are modern journeys of faith.

The contrast between the Magi and King Herod is also striking. While the Magi are curious and open, Herod is fearful and defensive. He sees the arrival of something new as a threat to his power. This mirrors modern reactions to change. New ideas, reforms, or calls for compassion often unsettle those who benefit from the status quo. We may recognize ourselves in Herod when we resist growth, cling to control, or feel threatened by others’ success. The story challenges us to examine whether we respond to God’s movement with openness or fear.

Another powerful lesson is the importance of discernment. The Magi seek guidance, but they do not blindly trust every voice. They learn, reflect, and later choose a different path home. In a world flooded with information, discernment is more necessary than ever. News feeds, influencers, and trends constantly shape opinions. Wisdom today may look like pausing before reacting, checking sources, praying before major decisions, or listening to trusted mentors rather than the loudest voices.

When the Magi finally arrive, they offer gifts, not out of obligation, but out of reverence. Their gifts symbolize recognition, gratitude, and surrender. Modern offerings may not come in gold or incense, but in time, talent, and compassion. A parent who sacrifices sleep for a child, a volunteer who serves without recognition, or a person who forgives instead of holding on to anger offers something precious. These are acts of worship lived out in daily life.

Finally, the Magi return home changed. Their encounter reshapes their direction. This reminds us that genuine encounters with God do not leave us unchanged. Faith is not merely about information, but transformation. When we truly seek and encounter God, our values shift, our priorities realign, and our choices reflect new wisdom.

The Gospel reading today encourages us to keep seeking, to discern wisely, and to offer our best. In a world full of distractions and fear, may we have the courage of the Magi, to follow the light we are given and allow it to lead us to deeper truth and lasting joy.

Go here to read further Gospel reflection.