Newsletter – The Epiphany of the Lord. Year A.

The astrologers in the Magi story went through quite a journey in search of the baby Jesus. They obviously believed in him and had faith in the star.

Have you ever ‘followed a star’? Have you ever gone after a dream or an ideal you believed in? Are you still going after it? What gives you the energy to keep going? How do you know it is worth it?

The gifts brought by the Magi have significance.

Gold is a symbol of wealth and fidelity.

Frankincense is burned to purify the atmosphere by releasing an aromatic and pleasing smell. For centuries, indigenous people in many countries have burned smoke in order to bless and purify themselves, and monks have watched incense rise to the sky as a symbol of their prayers ascending to God.

Myrrh is a kind of resin or oil used for anointing and embalming. It is a symbol of comfort and soothing (who doesn’t enjoy a rubdown?) but it is also a foreshadowing of death.

How were these gifts symbolic for Jesus?

What three gifts would be symbolic of you and your life so far? Explain the symbolism.