Epiphany of the Lord

Opening Prayer

Jesus,

Like the sun, let me rise to bring light!

Like a baby, let me be born to a new life!

Awaken me from my slumber,

so I can shine like a star and lead others to YOU!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 60 :1-6

• Are you able to see God’s Glory even through the dark times of your life? Share an example.
• Can you see God working in your life right now or only when you look back do see God at work?
• What do you see when you look out into the future?

Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6

• What is the “commission” God has called you to? How are you living it out? What can you do to better complete the mission you are called to?
• How can you treat others as “co-heirs” of the promises of Christ?
• What is Saint Paul trying to remind you of in this reading?

Matthew 2:1-12

• What caused the magi to drop everything and travel from foreign lands? What is important enough for you to stop everything and travel a great distance? 
• What lesson(s) can you learn from the magi? What do they receive in return for the gifts they bring?
• What can you learn about Jesus and the entire Holy Family from their choices and actions in this scripture?
• Spend time role playing. Imagine yourself as each of the characters in the Gospel reading. What are you thinking, feeling? What motivates you? 

General Questions for Journaling

• What gifts do you see in the world today? 
• Are there places on earth which you are drawn to go? What is there which you want to experience?
• What do you give back to God? Do you feel obligated to give? Explain.
• What has God revealed to you in the past year?  Month?  24 hours?
• Define the word, diligent. How can you search diligently for God this year?
• Would you describe yourself as a “star” which shines light onto others? How does the light of Christ shine through you to draw people to Christ? Share an example.
• Name some of the people you are drawn to. What draws you to them? What characteristics or qualities make them appealing?
• Who are people in this world who are worth following? What makes them worth following? Are there people whom you follow who are not worth following? How can you tell the difference?
• Reflect on the shape of the star. Describe how it is important to you and your beliefs; how is it a symbol of your faith?
• Would you say you are the “star” of your own life or do you let others take the lead? How does God appear in your life story? Do you allow God to shine through you or are you eclipsed by God?
• What are you willing to give up for a deeper relationship with God?
• Are there people or situations which you hide from? What message do you think Jesus would like to reveal to you about what you should do?

Closing Prayer – (music lyrics to song “Rise Up” by Andra Day)

Leader:  When the silence isn’t quiet

ALL:  And it feels like it’s getting hard to breathe

Leader:  And I know you feel like dying

ALL:  But I promise we’ll take the world to its feet

Leader:  And move mountains

ALL:  I’ll rise like the day

Leader:  I’ll rise unafraid

ALL:  I’ll rise up

Leader:  And I’ll do it a thousand times again

ALL:  And I’ll rise up

Leader:  High like the waves

ALL:  I’ll rise up…for YOU!

Challenge for the Week:  Reflect on the past couple of months since the beginning of the new liturgical year (or since around Thanksgiving) and make a list of the gifts which you have received…NOT the tangible ones.  The holiday season can open up new insights, new relationships and shine light on situations in relationships.  Spend time thinking about the gifts opened to you, these can range from very personal to global depending on how much time you want to spend and how deep you want to go.  However, giving time to these special moments can bring new insight and reflect the true value of the gifts which you might have been too busy to accept!