Feast of the Epiphany
January 3, 2021
Opening Song
Greeting
Penitential Rite
Opening Prayer
Liturgy of the Word
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First Reading: Isaiah 60:1-6
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Response: Psalm 72
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Second Reading: Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6
Brothers and sisters:
You have heard of the stewardship of God's grace
that was given to me for your benefit,
namely, that the mystery was made known to me by revelation.
It was not made known to people in other generations
as it has now been revealed
to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit:
that the Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body,
and copartners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.
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Gospel: Matthew 2:1-12
When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea,
in the days of King Herod,
behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying,
"Where is the newborn king of the Jews?
We saw his star at its rising
and have come to do him homage."
When King Herod heard this,
he was greatly troubled,
and all Jerusalem with him.
Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people,
He inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.
They said to him, "In Bethlehem of Judea,
for thus it has been written through the prophet:
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."
Then Herod called the magi secretly
and ascertained from them the time of the star's appearance.
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."
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.
They were overjoyed at seeing the star,
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.
And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod,
they departed for their country by another way.
Announcement of Easter and Moveable Feasts
Know, dear sisters,
that, as we have rejoiced at the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ,
so by leave of God's mercy
we announce also the joy of his Resurrection,
who is our Savior.
On the seventeenth day of February will fall Ash Wednesday,
and the beginning of the fast of the most sacred Lenten season.
On the fourth day of April we will celebrate with joy Easter Day,
the Paschal feast of our Lord Jesus Christ.
On the sixteenth day of May will be the Ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ.
On the twenty-third day of May, the feast of Pentecost.
On the sixth day of June, the feast of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ.
On the twenty-eighth day of November,
the First Sunday of the Advent of our Lord Jesus Christ,
to whom is honor and glory for ever and ever.
Amen.
Shared Reflection
Prayer of the Faithful
For the Church: that we may be a Light to those who are searching for direction and illuminate the path through our words and deeds of compassion and justice
For the new Congress that convenes this week: that the Spirit of truth will guide their deliberations and promote a spirit of co-operation that will yield the common good
For migrants and refugees: that God will help them to establish new lives and experience justice and respect in their new homeland
For all who are seekers: that God will lead those who are confused or searching for a new beginning onto a new path that will be filled with meaning and purpose
For a spirit of wonder: that our hearts may be awestruck as we recognize God’s gifts to us in our faith, our relationships, and our opportunities
For greater unity and co-operation within the human family: that God will heal the wounds of racial bias, open hearts to the talents of every person, and help us work together against violence, drug abuse, and poverty
Lord’s Prayer
Meditation
Concluding Prayer
Blessing
Going Forth
Choir: Noel, Noel, Noel. Born is the King, Noel.
All: The First Noel, the angel did say,
Was to certain poor shepherd
in fields where they lay;
In fields where they lay keeping their sheep,
On a cold winter’s night that was so deep.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel! Born is the King of Israel.
All: They looked up and saw a star
Shining in the east, beyond them far,
And to the earth it gave great light,
And so it continued both day and night.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel! Born is the King of Israel.
Choir: Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel!
All: Then let us all with one accord
Sing praises to our heav’nly Lord,
That hath made heav’n and earth of naught,
and with His blood mankind hath bought.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel! Born is the King of Israel!
Choir: Noel, Noel! Born is the King,
Noel! Noel, Noel, Noel,
Born is the King, Noel, Noel.
