The Feast of the Epiphany

The following resources are in the form of a video presentation

  • The readings for the day
  • A Gospel Reflection by Fr Alex
  • Prayers of Intercession
  • Final Blessing
  • Closing reflective music

Having listened to the readings and helped by Fr Alex's reflection on them, you might want simply to reflect yourself on what you have heard and how that might flow into your coming week. Some people have found it very helpful to meet with others and share their thoughts.

If you are interested  in joining a small group to share your thoughts and feelings about God's Word from any of the resources you have watched please email us.         cluster.alpha@outlook.com


Questions for reflection (framed for a group discussion)

Here are some suggested questions you may find helpful.

There was one clear epiphany (appearance) in 2020. When it arrived it quickly spread throughout the world and that world was completely changed by it.

That “pandemic effect” was experienced by very few when Jesus was born: some shepherds, Simeon and Anna when he was presented in the temple and some “wise men”. Even these people could scarcely have realised the powerful life-changing effect this baby would have on the world. Of course, the greatest gift (and the most precious) which we can bring to the Christmas infant is ourselves – and that is all he wants anyway.

1. As we begin 2021, are we hoping for the “same old, same old” religious vaccine that will allow us to go back to our religious routines? Perhaps, like the wise men, we need to make a journey from where we are to where He is.
(Share your ideas in a group if you are in one)
 2. Quite often we hear it said that the cluster has people with many gifts but somehow they don’t like or want to come forward. Can you give the following idea some serious thought this week?
If you aren’t an 'all that active' in the cluster, why don’t you ask someone who is for advice? And if you are active, why don’t you think about someone you know in the cluster whose gift(s) would help others in our faith communities?
  “…where all are needed and share their gifts…” (Cluster Vision Statement)

Preparing for next week

For those who would like to start reflecting on next week's gospel,

the text can be found here.

Preparing for next week’s gospel:  The Baptism of the Lord YEAR B

Mark 1:7-11     You are my Son, the Beloved; my favour rests on him.

(Framed for a group discussion)

Why did Jesus get baptised? He had no need of being cleansed of sin.

Why did he bother to be born and wait 30-odd years before starting his ministry?

Why did he not use his power and might to demonstrate the truth of his message?

These and many more questions highlight the way that God really did become one of us. He did not cut corners just because he had the power to do so.

As Paul says, “…he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, becoming as human beings are; and being in every way like a human being, he was humbler yet, even to accepting death, death on a cross.”( Phil 2, 7 and 8)

Baptism kick-started both his ministry and ours. He had about three years to get his mission completed – how is our ministry going?


Just a single question this week with two parts:

a) Review your faith life from the time of your baptism until now, with its successes and failures; its triumphs and disasters; its moments of self-surrender and its times of utter weakness. (Something of both kinds to share in your group)

b) Pick some action in the upcoming week which is both relevant and achievable – an action which confirms you are a true adopted daughter or son of God; pray for the strength to go through with it. 

End of Prayer resource