gifted and giving
"God gave us eternal life." —1 John 5:11
Throughout much of the world, today is the highlight of the Christmas season, the celebration of the Epiphany. Even if we are in a country which celebrates Epiphany on Sunday, the Lord will let us be part of the glories of Epiphany today.
The wise men gave Jesus three gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh (Mt 2:11). We too can give the Lord the gifts of our finances, prayers (see Rv 5:8), and sacrifices. We can give the Lord our lives. Of course, the Lord will not be outdone in generosity. We can't outgive God. Jesus has already given His life for us on the cross, and the Lord continues to give and outgive.
Three gifts the Lord offers us today are "the Spirit and the water and the blood" (1 Jn 5:8). In other words, the Lord will renew in us the three sacraments of initiation into the Christian life: Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. This means we, as children of God (see Mk 1:11) who are baptized in the Spirit (Mk 1:8), will live as conquerors of the world (1 Jn 5:5) and in possession of eternal life (1 Jn 5:12).
Today is a day of gifts. Give all to the Lord; receive all from the Lord.
Prayer: Father, You gave Your Son to us (see Jn 3:16). I give my life to You.
Promise: "You are My beloved Son. On You My favor rests." —Mk 1:11
Praise: St. André credited the miracles worked at St. Joseph's Oratory to his uniting his prayers with those of St. Joseph.
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our leaflet Seek First The Kingdom.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, July 27, 2011
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