Lectio Divina for The Epiphany of the Lord
Read the following Scripture two or three times:
Matthew 2:1-12
When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, magi from the east
arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and
have come to do him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was greatly troubled, and all Jerusalem
with him. Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it has been written through the prophet:
And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
since from you shall come a ruler,
who is to shepherd my people Israel.”
Then Herod called the magi secretly and ascertained from them the time of the star’s appearance. He sent
them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search diligently for the child. When you have found him, bring me
word, that I too may go and do him homage.” After their audience with the king they set out. And behold,
the star that they had seen at its rising preceded then, until it came and stopped over the place where the
child was. They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary
his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered
him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way.
Meditation
After the reading, take some time to reflect in silence on or more of the following questions:
– What word or words in this passage caught your attention?
– What in this passage comforted you?
– What in this passage challenged you?
Contemplation
Read the Scripture again, followed by this reflection:
What conversion of mind, heart, and life is the Lord asking of me?
And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah,/ are by no means least among the rulers of Judah
Who is viewed as least in my community? How can I reach out to serve those who are the least?
When you have found him, bring me word, that I too may go and do him homage. How have I shared my love for and faith in God with others? When have I invited someone to come to the Lord?
Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. What gifts do I have to offer God? How can I grow in gratitude for the gifts that God has given me?
After a period of silent reflection recite the Lord’s Prayer.
Living the Word This Week
How can I make my life a gift for others in charity?
Spend time in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, offering homage to the Lord in the Eucharist
