Epiphany of the Lord - Year C - January 5, 2025

Epiphany is celebrated on the Sunday between January 2 and January 8. The feast of the Epiphany of Our Lord commemorates when Jesus Christ was revealed as the Messiah. The Gospel of Matthew recounts that three wise men from the East visited our savior after his birth and acknowledged him with gifts representing kingship, priesthood, and death.

The Feast of the Epiphany highlights key themes in the story of Jesus and the visit of the Magi. These themes help us understand the importance of Jesus’ birth and His mission for all people.

• Jesus as Light: Jesus is the light that shines in the darkness. He guides all people to God.
• Universal Mission: Jesus came for all nations and people. His salvation is not limited to one group.
• Fulfillment of Prophecy: Isaiah’s prophecy about light and gifts is fulfilled in Jesus. The gifts of the Magi show this connection.
• Humility and Kingship: Jesus is a humble king. He shows true power through love and gentleness.
• Inclusiveness: Paul teaches that both Jews and Gentiles share in Jesus’ promises. The Epiphany shows that everyone is included in God’s plan.
• Guidance of the Star: The star leads the Magi to Jesus. This shows God’s guidance to all who seek Him.
• Gift-Giving: The Magi bring gifts to honor Jesus. This shows recognition of His kingship and divinity.
• Contrast with Herod: Herod’s fear and violence contrast with Jesus’ humble birth. This shows the difference between earthly and heavenly kingship.

These themes remind us of the rich meaning of the Feast of the Epiphany. They invite us to reflect on Jesus’ mission and our role in spreading His light.

ENTRANCE:
1.     Atong daygon ang Ginoo
2.    Aleluya, Daygon ang Ginoo
3.    Pagmamahal sa Panginoon
4.    Magsiawit sa Panginoon
5.    Let Heaven Rejoice (Dufford)
6.    Sing a new song (Schutte)

READINGS:

• First Reading – Isaiah 60:1-6: Jerusalem, arise! Your light and the Lord’s glory shine upon you, attracting nations and kings. Joyfully, your sons and daughters return, bringing wealth and praise to the Lord.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 72: Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.
• God’s wisdom and justice in the king will usher in an era of fairness, peace, and expansive dominion, earning tributes from afar and devotion from all nations.
• Second Reading – Ephesians 3:2-3A, 5-6: God’s grace entrusted to me reveals a mystery: Gentiles are fellow heirs with Jews, part of one body, sharing the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.
• Gospel – Matthew 2:1-12: Magi from the east, guided by a star, sought the newborn King of the Jews in Jerusalem, unsettling King Herod and the city. Informed by religious leaders about the prophesied birth in Bethlehem, Herod deceitfully instructed the magi to report back after finding the child. Following the star, the magi reached Jesus, worshiping Him and offering gifts. They returned home by another way, divinely warned to avoid Herod.

 

OFFERTORY:

1.    Gasa sa Gugma
2.    Nagahalad Kami
3.    Pag-aalay ng Sarili
4.    Sumasamo Kami
5.    One Bread, One Body
6.    Earthen Vessel

COMMUNION:

1. Ako ang Kahayag, swak sa Gospel which is Jesus is the light of all the nations
2. Hiyas, sibo na sab sa ebanghelyo
3. Pagpanaw, actually i don't know how to sing this one. nakita lang nako siya sa songbook then akong gibasa iyang lyrics arang kasibo kaayo sa ebanghelyo
4. Magpuri sa Panginoon (Hontiveros)
5. Panginoon, Aking Tanglaw (Ramirez)
6. Liwanag ng Aming Puso (Tagle and Hontiveros)
7. Here I am Lord
8. Sing of Him (Dufford)

RECESSIONAL:

1. Ang Atong Tulubagon
2. Pananagutan
3. The Work of Christmas (Arboleda)