January 2, 2011
The Epiphany of The Lord

Read

Today marks the beginning of National Migration Week.Read about this observance and learn about its history.

Pray

Gather with family and friends in your home to pray together this Blessing of the Home and Household on Epiphany.

Reflect

The feast of the Epiphany highlights for us our missionary role in the Church. Reflect on these words from Blessed Teresa of Calcutta that beautifully and succinctly express the missionary dimension that is meant to be part of our lives as followers of Jesus:
By blood and origin I am Albanian My citizenship is Indian I am a Catholic nun As to my calling, I belong to the world As to my heart, I belong entirely to the heart of Christ.

Act

The Scriptures do not tell us where the Magi came from, but from early on in Christian art, these Magi were depicted as three men coming from Europe, Asia, and Africa; and through them, Jesus was depicted as the "Light of Nations."
- Plan a special feast for your family today that reflects and celebrates your cultural origins. Light candles to represent Christ as the "Light of Nations."
- Many cultures share the tradition of the “King” cake on the Epiphany, in which a small infant doll or bean representing the Christ child is hidden in a cake or other dessert served with the evening meal. The family member who finds the “King” in their serving is awarded a small gift or privilege.
- It is a tradition in many cultures to exchange gifts honoring the birth of Christ on the Epiphany instead of on Christmas day. Consider adopting this practice in your family as a way of marking this solemnity.