Epiphany of the Lord
Is 60:1-6
Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will appear over you. Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. Lift up your eyes and look around; they all gather together, they come to you; your sons shall come from far away, and your daughters shall be carried on their nurses’ arms.
Then you shall see and be radiant; your heart shall thrill and rejoice, because the abundance of the sea shall be brought to you, the wealth of the nations shall come to you. A multitude of camels shall cover you, the young camels of Midian and Ephah; all those from Sheba shall come. They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall proclaim the praise of the Lord.
New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.
Slow Down for Jesus
In this fast-moving world of news and technology, it isn’t always easy to hold tight to the Good News of our faith, and the revelation of God that we have been given through Jesus Christ. Our lives can get noisy, and God seems to enjoy meeting us in quiet places, off the beaten path.
As I pray this Epiphany, I imagine the wise men at the end of an arduous trip, following a great star, coming over the last hill into Bethlehem, the ancestral home of David, the great king of Israel. How off the beaten path they must have felt, having gone first to Jerusalem in their expectation to find someone so important! Bethlehem was not a big or significant town. Yet it was here, in this humble corner of things, that the glory of the Lord waited to shine on them and the world.
As we prepare to reenter Ordinary Time, let’s pray for the graces that we, like the wise men, need to be watchful and holy seekers. Dear Lord, grant us eyes that are open to find Jesus in all the places we don’t expect! Help us most when we have to look the hardest— or a second time!
—Fr. Joe Kraemer, SJ, is a priest of the West Province who was ordained at the Church of the Gesu in Milwaukee last June. He currently resides and works in Seattle, Washington.
Prayer
Peace of Jesus
Father in Heaven: thank you!
Thank you for sending your Son Jesus to Earth as a baby, and for placing him simply in the world and into a human life like mine. Thank you for caring for my story and for loving me.
Help me to copy the life of Jesus! Help me to imitate him in his humility, his simplicity, his interest and concern for others. Help me to love like Jesus.
God, I am doing the best I can! And I thank you for helping me. I praise you for your power and your goodness and mercy. I am grateful for your many gifts and graces working in my life.
Help me to slow down and lean into you today.
Help me to know the Peace of Jesus!
Amen.
—Fr. Joe Kraemer, SJ