The Epiphany

The following are prayerful resources rather than a liturgy.

  • The gospel for the day
  • Commentary on the readings
  • Some optional questions for reflection
  • Prayers of Intercession
  • Cluster Prayer
  • The gospel of the week ahead with questions

Matthew 2:1-12   The visit of the Magi


After Jesus had been born at Bethlehem in Judaea during the reign of King Herod, some wise men came to Jerusalem from the east. ‘Where is the infant king of the Jews?’ they asked. ‘We saw his star as it rose and have come to do him homage.’ When King Herod heard this he was perturbed, and so was the whole of Jerusalem. He called together all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, and enquired of them where the Christ was to be born. ‘At Bethlehem in Judaea,’ they told him ‘for this is what the prophet wrote:
And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
you are by no means least among the leaders of Judah,
for out of you will come a leader
who will shepherd my people Israel.’

Then Herod summoned the wise men to see him privately. He asked them the exact date on which the star had appeared, and sent them on to Bethlehem. ‘Go and find out all about the child,’ he said ‘and when you have found him, let me know, so that I too may go and do him homage.’ Having listened to what the king had to say, they set out. And there in front of them was the star they had seen rising; it went forward, and halted over the place where the child was. The sight of the star filled them with delight, and going into the house they saw the child with his mother Mary, and falling to their knees they did him homage. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh. But they were warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, and returned to their own country by a different way.


This is the gospel of the Lord.

Copyright © 1996-2021 Universalis Publishing Limited: see www.universalis.com.

Scripture readings from the Jerusalem Bible are published and copyright © 1966, 1967 and 1968 by Darton, Longman & Todd, Ltd and Doubleday, a division of Random House, Inc.

Text of the Psalms: Copyright © 1963, The Grail (England). All rights reserved.


Having used our prayer resources, you might want simply to reflect yourself on them 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)

Christmas gifts, especially for children, can be a source of real joy.

But for many of us, the real gifts that count are seeing family, friends, neighbours - especially if they have come from far, just like the Magi.

  1. Think of someone you know who would appreciate a call, a visit or an invitation to meet up. Give that precious gift of yourself and receive much in return.
  2. When have you been jealous or fearful of another person?
    When are such feelings harmful?   *

* All second questions © The Pastoral Center

Prayers of Intercession


A bright new star leads the Wise men to travel far to pay homage to a newborn King – who was to be the Light of the world. As we offer our prayers of intercession, we pray that the light of the newborn king will shine in our hearts and lead us to pay homage to him, the Light of the World.                                   R:/ Light of Christ fill our hearts.


For Pope Francis as he continues to call us to live out our true calling as followers of Christ, that he will be given the strength and courage he needs to be the shepherd of Christ's flock here on earth. May the Light of Christ forever shine in his heart for all to see.

Light of Christ fill our hearts.

 

In the dark places of our world where there is war, oppression, famine, and injustice, we pray that the Light of the Christ child will shine bright and reveal the way towards peace and justice for all. May hearts, minds and eyes be opened to seek a way forward where everyone can live in peace, acceptance, and respect for their neighbours.

Light of Christ fill our hearts.


As the wise men offered their gifts to the Christ Child, may we, too, offer the gifts we have received from God and willingly place them at his feet to serve his kingdom here on earth. May we encourage those who selflessly use their gifts for the benefit of all.

Light of Christ fill our hearts.

 

For our young people returning to their studies, may the Light of Christ shine in their hearts, guide them in their studies, and accompany them on their journey through life. May they come to know and experience the love that God has for them.

Light of Christ fill our hearts.

 

For all those who are ill in mind, body, or spirit, we pray that the Light of Christ will shine in them and bring them comfort. We remember especially those on our prayer foundation list. May we continue supporting them with our love, prayer, and compassion.

Light of Christ fill our hearts.

 

For those who have died recently or whose anniversary is at this time – may they rest in the Light and peace of Christ in their heavenly home.

We remember especially,

Lorraine Sherlock, Annie Ogden, Stevie Douglas, Joe McCole, Giuseppe Rosano, Annette Martini, Suzanne O’Callaghan.

Light of Christ fill our hearts.


Let us now say together our prayer to be missionary disciples.

Lord continue to bless our community
in this time of transition.
Help us on our journey
to grow from a maintenance church
to a missionary church.
Give us the courage
to be missionary disciples.
Make our doors wide enough
to receive all who need
human love and fellowship;
narrow enough to shut out
all envy, pride and prejudice.
Kindle in us the fire of your love
that all who come here
will find joy, peace and love.
Make this a house of prayer
and a gateway to your kingdom.
AMEN

Preparing for next week -  Second Sunday B

      John 1:35-42   'We have found the Messiah.'


As John stood with two of his disciples, Jesus passed, and John stared hard at him and said, ‘Look, there is the lamb of God.’ Hearing this, the two disciples followed Jesus. Jesus turned round, saw them following and said, ‘What do you want?’ They answered, ‘Rabbi,’ – which means Teacher – ‘where do you live?’ ‘Come and see’ he replied; so they went and saw where he lived, and stayed with him the rest of that day. It was about the tenth hour.

One of these two who became followers of Jesus after hearing what John had said was Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter. Early next morning, Andrew met his brother and said to him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ – which means the Christ – and he took Simon to Jesus. Jesus looked hard at him and said, ‘You are Simon son of John; you are to be called Cephas’ – meaning Rock.

This is the gospel of the Lord.

Copyright © 1996-2021 Universalis Publishing Limited: see www.universalis.com.

Scripture readings from the Jerusalem Bible are published and copyright © 1966, 1967 and 1968 by Darton, Longman & Todd, Ltd and Doubleday, a division of Random House, Inc.

Text of the Psalms: Copyright © 1963, The Grail (England). All rights reserved


Questions for reflection (framed for a group discussion)

As we too are disciples following Jesus, imagine a scene where Jesus turns round and asks the same question: "What are you looking for?"

It might be worth reflecting on our answer to that question as we start the new year.

  1. Spend some time this week reflecting on what you are looking for: from yourself, from your community and from the wider church. Share it with your group.
  2. What qualities do you have that would cause others to recognize you as a disciple of Jesus? *

 * All second questions © The Pastoral Center