The document is a preparation for a Bible study on the Solemnity of the Epiphany, focusing on readings from Isaiah, Ephesians, and Matthew. It highlights themes of light, God's glory, and the universal call to salvation, emphasizing the joy and importance of recognizing Jesus as the light that guides all nations. Various reflections encourage a response to the light and the recognition of Jesus as the fulfillment of prophecies by the Magi.

1. Welcome to our Bible Study
Solemnity of the Epiphany of our Lord
4 January 2015
In preparation for this Sunday’s liturgy
In aid of focusing our homilies/sharing
Prepared by Fr. Cielo R. Almazan, OFM

2. 1st Reading: Isaiah 60:1-6
 1 Rise up in splendor! Your light has come, the glory
of the Lord shines upon you. 2 See, darkness covers
the earth, and thick clouds cover the peoples; But
upon you the LORD shines, and over you appears his
glory. 3 Nations shall walk by your light, and kings by
your shining radiance. 4 Raise your eyes and look
about; they all gather and come to you: Your sons
come from afar, and your daughters in the arms of
their nurses. 5 Then you shall be radiant at what you
see, your heart shall throb and overflow, for the riches
of the sea shall be emptied out before you, the wealth
of nations shall be brought to you. 6 Caravans of
camels shall fill you, dromedaries from Midian and
Ephah; All from Sheba shall come bearing gold and
frankincense, and proclaiming the praises of the
LORD.
The focus is on the meaning of light/radiance.

3. 1st Reading: Isaiah 60:1-6
Imperatives
 1 Rise up in splendor! Your light has come, the glory of the Lord
shines upon you. 2 See, darkness covers the earth, and thick
clouds cover the peoples; But upon you the LORD shines, and
over you appears his glory. 3 Nations shall walk by your light,
and kings by your shining radiance.
 4 Raise your eyes and look about; they all gather and come to
you: Your sons come from afar, and your daughters in the arms of
their nurses.
Consequences/results
 5 Then you shall be radiant at what you see, your heart shall
throb and overflow, for the riches of the sea shall be emptied out
before you, the wealth of nations shall be brought to you. 6
Caravans of camels shall fill you, dromedaries from Midian and
Ephah; All from Sheba shall come bearing gold and frankincense,
and proclaiming the praises of the LORD.
A simple outline!

4. 1st Reading: Isaiah 60:1-6
Imperatives
 1 Rise up in splendor!
Your light has come, the
glory of the Lord shines
upon you. 2 See,
darkness covers the
earth, and thick clouds
cover the peoples; But
upon you the LORD
shines, and over you
appears his glory. 3
Nations shall walk by
your light, and kings by
your shining radiance.
 4 Raise your eyes and
look about; they all
gather and come to you:
Your sons come from
afar, and your daughters
in the arms of their
nurses.
Commentary
 Our reading, in poetry, comes from the Trito-Isaiah
(56-66), written after the Babylonian Exile.
 It is addressed to the people of Zion (Jerusalem).
 Vv.1-2 and 4 contain imperatives.
 Rise up… v.1
 See, darkness… v.2
 Raise your eyes… v.4
 The text also states the reasons why:
 Your light has come, the glory of the Lord
shines…v.1
 The Lord shines upon you, his glory appears
over you. V.2
 The nations will walk by God’s light.
 Light is a powerful imagery that provokes hope and
a welcoming attitude.
 The coming of the light gathers together in one place
the peoples, nations, sons and daughters.
 All are united for the coming of the light and glory of
God.
 For Christians, light refers to Jesus.

5. 1st Reading: Isaiah 60:1-6
Consequences/results
 5 Then you shall be
radiant at what you
see, your heart shall
throb and overflow,
for the riches of the
sea shall be emptied
out before you, the
wealth of nations shall
be brought to you. 6
Caravans of camels
shall fill you,
dromedaries from
Midian and Ephah; All
from Sheba shall
come bearing gold
and frankincense, and
proclaiming the
praises of the LORD.
Results from listening to the imperatives of
the prophet (vv.5-6):
 You shall be radiant (You shall
exude aura of self-confidence)
 Your heart shall throb and overflow
(You shall be happy)
 You will possess the riches of the
sea and wealth of nations be yours
(You shall live in security, you shall
not be enslaved by anyone.)
 Caravans and dromedaries shall fill
you. (Huge amounts and quantities of
material things will be given you).
 All from Sheba come bearing gold
and frankincense. (It will be easy to
procure materials for worship.)

6. Reflections on the 1st reading
 We cannot always describe God’s actions upon us in
plain language; the author uses poetic language.
 Poetic language stirs the heart and imagination; it
speaks more.
 The text calls for rejoicing, for participation, for
gathering.
 It asks for convergence of peoples into this one light.
 The text is appropriate for the feast of the Epiphany.
 Nations and peoples experience darkness (wars,
desperation, confusion). Now, the light has come.
 Each believer must respond with docility to the call of
the prophet (God) in order to witness the awe-inspiring
glory and radiance of God.

7. Resp. Ps 72:1-2. 7-8. 10-11. 12-13
 R. (cf. 11) Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.
1 O God, with your judgment endow the king,
and with your justice, the king's son;
2 He shall govern your people with justice
and your afflicted ones with judgment.
 7 Justice shall flower in his days,
and profound peace, till the moon be no more.
8 May he rule from sea to sea,
and from the River to the ends of the earth.
 10 The kings of Tarshish and the Isles shall offer gifts;
the kings of Arabia and Seba shall bring tribute.
11 All kings shall pay him homage,
all nations shall serve him.
 12 For he shall rescue the poor when he cries out,
and the afflicted when he has no one to help him.
13 He shall have pity for the lowly and the poor;
the lives of the poor he shall save.

8. Resp. Ps 72:1-2. 7-8. 10-11. 12-13
 R. (cf. 11) Lord, every nation on
earth will adore you.
1 O God, with your judgment endow
the king, and with your justice, the
king's son;
2 He shall govern your people with
justice and your afflicted ones with
judgment.
 7 Justice shall flower in his days,
and profound peace, till the moon be
no more.
8 May he rule from sea to sea,
and from the River to the ends of the
earth.
 10 The kings of Tarshish and the
Isles shall offer gifts; the kings of
Arabia and Seba shall bring tribute.
11 All kings shall pay him homage,
all nations shall serve him.
 12 For he shall rescue the poor
when he cries out,
and the afflicted when he has no one
to help him.
13 He shall have pity for the lowly
and the poor;
the lives of the poor he shall save.
Commentary
 In v.1, the psalmist prays for the king that
he may have a right judgment.
 He also prays for the king’s son
(successor) to teach him the sense of
justice.
 In this way, the king will govern with
justice and judgment. V.2
 Vv.7-8 talk of the extent of justice (and
peace): It will flourish in all his regnal
years and territories.
 In vv.10-11, even kings of other lands will
recognize his reign, giving tributes.
 Vv.12-13 talks of the priorities of this just
king:
 the poor, the afflicted, the lowly

9. Reflections on the Psalm
 We do not only pray for the poor and the oppressed,
but also for those in authority.
 We, Christians, need to help form good (just and
righteous) leaders in our land.
 Whether we like it or not, they (the political leaders)
are here to stay. It is worse if the clergy become
political leaders themselves.
 Leaders should pattern their rule to that of a just king
with right judgment. He looks after the common good.
 Jesus is the model of a servant-leader.
 Without saying it, the psalm rules out leaders, whose
mind and judgment are clouded by profit and self-
interests, and their political ambitions.

10. 2nd Reading: Ephesians 3:2-3.5-6
 2 You have heard of the stewardship of God's
grace that was given to me for your benefit, 3
(namely, that) the mystery was made known to
me by revelation, as I have written briefly
earlier.
 5 It was not made known to human beings in
other generations as it has now been revealed
to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit,
6 that the Gentiles are coheirs, members of
the same body, and copartners in the promise
in Christ Jesus through the gospel.
The focus is on the mystery (secret) which is now revealed to all.

11. 2nd Reading: Ephesians 3:2-3.5-6
 2 You have heard of the
stewardship of God's grace
that was given to me for your
benefit, 3 (namely, that) the
mystery was made known to
me by revelation, as I have
written briefly earlier.
 5 It was not made known to
human beings in other
generations as it has now
been revealed to his holy
apostles and prophets by the
Spirit, 6 that the Gentiles are
coheirs, members of the
same body, and copartners in
the promise in Christ Jesus
through the gospel.
Commentary
 First, it was only Paul to whom
God revealed this mystery.
 Now, it is also revealed to the
apostles and prophets (v.5).
 The revelation is that the Gentiles
(non-Jews) are also coheirs,
members of the Church and co-
partners. (v.6).
 Those privileges are no longer
monopolized by his fellow Jews.
 God embraces everyone (Jews
and Gentiles).
 In Jesus, there is a place for
everyone.

12. Reflections on the 2nd reading
 God reveals himself to everyone, through his Son.
 God reveals not only to Paul, but also to the apostles,
the prophets and the Gentiles.
 With this revelation, everyone, Jew or Gentile, is
destined to go to heaven.
 The text teaches the universality of God’s love and
salvation.
 God’s grace is not exclusive to anyone or to any
group.
 With Jesus, the time has come to break the barriers of
monopoly, exclusion, discrimination and isolation.

13. Gospel Reading: Matthew 2:1-12
 1 When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King
Herod, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, 2 saying,
"Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising
and have come to do him homage." 3 When King Herod heard this, he
was greatly troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 Assembling all the
chief priests and the scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the
Messiah was to be born. 5 They said to him, "In Bethlehem of Judea, for
thus it has been written through the prophet: 6 '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.'" 7
Then Herod called the magi secretly and ascertained from them the time
of the star's appearance. 8 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." 9 After their audience with
the king they set out. And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising
preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child
was. 10 They were overjoyed at seeing the star, 11 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. 12 And having been
warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country
by another way.
The focus is on the coming of the Magi.

14. Gospel Reading: Matthew 2:1-12
The magi
 1 When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, magi
from the east arrived in Jerusalem, 2 saying, "Where is the newborn king of the Jews?
We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage."
King Herod
 3 When King Herod heard this, he was greatly troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4
Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, he inquired of them where
the Messiah was to be born.
Chief priests and scribes
 5 They said to him, "In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it has been written through the
prophet: 6 '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.'"
Herod
 7Then Herod called the magi secretly and ascertained from them the time of the star's
appearance. 8 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."
The magi
 9 After their audience with the king they set out. And behold, the star that they had seen
at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was.
10 They were overjoyed at seeing the star, 11 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. 12 And
having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by
another way.
A simple outline!
Notice the characters and concentric structure!

15. Gospel Reading: Matthew 2:1-12
The magi
 1 When Jesus was born in Bethlehem
of Judea, in the days of King Herod,
behold, magi from the east arrived in
Jerusalem, 2 saying, "Where is the
newborn king of the Jews? We saw his
star at its rising and have come to do
him homage."
King Herod
 3 When King Herod heard this, he was
greatly troubled, and all Jerusalem with
him. 4 Assembling all the chief priests
and the scribes of the people, he
inquired of them where the Messiah
was to be born.
Chief priests and scribes
 5 They said to him, "In Bethlehem of
Judea, for thus it has been written
through the prophet: 6 '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.'"
Herod
 7Then Herod called the magi secretly
and ascertained from them the time of
the star's appearance. 8 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."
Commentary
The text is peculiar to Matthew.
Take note of the appearance of the characters
and what they particularly do:
 Magi
 They look for Jesus, to do homage (v.2)
 They follow the guiding star (v.9)
 Are overjoyed at seeing the star (v.10)
 Prostrate themselves, do him homage
(v.11)
 Open gifts (v.11)
 They leave the place by another way
(v.12)
 Herod
 Is troubled at the news (v.3)
 Assembles experts (v.4)
 Sends magi to Bethlehem (v.8)
 Pretends to be interested
 Experts
 Rightly quote Micah (v.5)

16. Gospel Reading: Matthew 2:1-12
The magi
 9 After their audience with
the king they set out. And
behold, the star that they
had seen at its rising
preceded them, until it
came and stopped over the
place where the child was.
10 They were overjoyed at
seeing the star, 11 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.
12 And having been
warned in a dream not to
return to Herod, they
departed for their country
by another way.
 The magi demonstrate their interest
in encountering Jesus. They travel
far and wide. They search for signs.
They even stumble at King Herod.
 King Herod is disturbed at the
inquiry of the magi (where is the
newborn king?) He does not expect to
be dethroned soon. He misinterprets
the kingship of Jesus, at this early
stage.
 The author uses the characters (that
of Herod and the Magi) to portray
the different attitudes towards the
birth of Jesus.

17. Reflections on the gospel reading
 We can find Christ if we search for Him.
 Searching means leaving your comfort zones,
getting out of your box, taking risks, asking
questions, paying attention to the signs, and
being focused.
 You can find Christ if you have a pure heart and
mind.
 You will never find Him if you harbor bad
intentions or evil schemes (to destroy, to kill,
like Herod), or, if you are insecure.

18. How to develop your homily / sharing
 Today, we celebrate the feast of the
manifestation of our Lord Jesus, or, the
Epiphany.
 Jesus manifests himself to us, not only to the
Jews, to Mama Mary and to Joseph, but to all
people who laboriously and humbly approach
him and recognize him as Savior and King.

19.  Jesus’ manifestation fulfills the prophecy
of old as indicated in the first reading:
 all nations gather together, all peoples see
the light.
 Jesus’ manifestation calls for a
celebration, characterized by gift-giving.

20.  In the second reading, Paul testifies that,
now, God reveals to all men and women
what was kept secret from of old.
 No one is excluded from God’s
revelation and from participating in his
mysteries.

21.  The gospel reading portrays how Jesus
manifests himself.
 He manifests himself to the unknown foreigners.
 God-Jesus manifests himself to all kinds of
peoples, not only to the Jews, but also to the
Gentiles, to the rich and to the poor, who
prostrate before him.
 The magi represent us, who are searching for
God, for a new breed of King.
 After encountering Him, do we offer meaningful
gifts and go home on a different path?

22.  Are you searching for Jesus?
 Do you think you have found him?
 What are your gifts to him?
 Are you happy with him? Is there any change
in your ways and lifestyle after having found
him?

23.  Let us not fool ourselves by believing that we
have found Jesus once and for all.
 We do not fully know him yet. We still have a
long way to go.
 Christian life is a continuous journey towards
God, a continuous discernment and struggle to
find him and to live relevantly our faith here
and now.

24.  We come to know Jesus better by reading the
gospels, reflecting on his teachings, listening
and fulfilling the teachings of the Church.
 Do you attend bible studies?
 Do you read, or listen to, the talks of our Church
leaders (priests, bishops/Pope)?
 Do you have a spiritual director?
 We encounter him in the poor and in the
destitute.
 Do you love the poor? Do you hear their cries? Do
you know their names?
 Get involved in the JPIC and BEC.
 We come to know him better in our prayer life.
 Do you regularly pray?

25.  Ultimately, we come to know him better if we
undergo and experience the paschal mystery
(passion, death… and resurrection).
 If you don’t take care about your ongoing formation, if
you desire evil on your neighbors, if you don’t give to
the poor, if you don’t love your Church and its leaders,
if you don’t pray, if you don’t celebrate with others and
if you don’t have joy in your hearts, and have no sense
of self-sacrifice, then you haven’t found Jesus yet and
you will never find him.

26.  In the eucharist, Jesus manifests himself to us,
who are gathered together as one family.
 The eucharist is the sacrament of
encountering Christ in the form of bread and
wine.
 When we join the eucharistic celebration, we
find Christ like the magi in Bethlehem.

27. Our Context of Sin and Grace
 Parochialism
 Ethnocentricism
 Anti-foreign sentiments
 Racism, sexism
 Dynasty-ism
 Intolerance
 Fundamentalism
 Xenophobic
 No direction
 Universalism
 Ecumenism
 Dialogue
 Always in search for
the better
 Transparency
 Religious tolerance
 Knowing how to read
signs (instructions)

28. Suggested Songs
 We Three Kings
 Ang Pasko ay Sumapit
 O Holy Night
 Pastores a Belen
 On the Night
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPCqP_0iyoo