The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord is celebrated on Feb. 2, 40 days after Christmas. It highlights the mo- ment Mary and Joseph took the infant Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem to be presented to God. In Exodus, the Mo- saic Law asked every firstborn male to be dedicated to the Lord. (Exodus 13:2) Mary and Joseph observed this law and fulfilled their faithfulness to God’s commands. (Luke 22:22-40) The Canticle of Simeon, also known as the “Nunc Dimittis” found in Luke 2:29-32, is a prayer Simeon prays as he encounters the infant Jesus. He recognizes Jesus as the Messiah, the Savior for whom he had been waiting and highlights Jesus’ mission not only to Israel but to all nations, symboliz- ing hope, salvation, and the fulfillment of God’s promises (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 529). This canticle is prayed in the Lit- urgy of the Hours at Compline. In praying these words, the faithful join Simeon in his peace and trust, com- mending themselves to God’s care be- fore rest. In EWTN’s section of Com- mon Question on Liturgical Norms, Father Edward McNamara, LC, writes that praying the Liturgy of the Hours is “to celebrate the praises of the Cre- ator of the universe with dedication, can at least recite the psalmody of the hour that has been omitted without the hymn and conclude with only a short reading and the prayer.” Encountering the Infant Jesus
Sunday of the Word of God Understanding the four Gospels
20+C+M+B+25 The Epiphany Blessing for the Home
The four Gospels — Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John — each present a unique portrait of Jesus Christ. While they share core el- ements, they emphasizes different aspects of Jesus’ life and minis- try. All four Gospels are divinely inspired and collectively provide Matthew Audience: Primarily Jewish Christians Emphasis: Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament proph- ecies Key Themes: • Matthew frequently uses the term “Kingdom of Heaven” instead of “Kingdom of God.” • Jesus’ teaching on the Law, including the Sermon on the Mount. • Traces Jesus’ lineage to Abraham, highlighting his Jewish heritage and royal lineage from King David.
a fuller understanding of Christ. The following is a comparisaion between the Gospels.
T he Epiphany home blessing is a Catholic tradition that is celebrat- ed on the Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord. This blessing involves marking the home’s doorway with chalk, a ritual that expresses faith in God’s protection over the household for the coming year. The blessing typically takes place around Jan. 6, the traditional date for Epiphany, though it may vary depending on the local liturgical calendar. During the blessing, the priest or family member writes a special inscrip- tion above the door, usually in the format “20+C+M+B+24,” with the current year on both ends and the letters “C,” “M,” and “B” in the middle. The numbers represent the year, while “C,” “M,” and “B” stand for the names of the Magi — Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar. The letters also serve as an abbreviation for the Latin phrase “Chris- tus Mansionem Benedicat”, meaning “May Christ bless this house.” The blessing itself calls upon God to protect the home from harm. The act of using chalk, a natural element, highlights the idea of sanctifying the everyday plac-
es where families live, rest, and share their lives. Chalk is often used as a reminder of the humility and simplicity of Christ’s birth. It emphasizes the act of setting one’s home apart for God, marking it as a place where Christ is welcome and honored. Epiphany itself celebrates the revela- tion of Christ to the nations, symbolized by the visit of the Magi who journeyed from distant lands to honor the newborn King. The home blessing is an extension of this theme, reminding the faithful that just as the Magi encountered Christ, we too are called to welcome him into their lives and homes. “The Christian home is the place where children receive the first proclamation of the faith. For this reason the family home is rightly called “the do- mestic church,” a community of grace and prayer, a school of human virtues and of Christian charity.” (CCC 1666). This tradition provides an opportunity for families to come together, pray, and re- flect on the purpose of their household as a place of spiritual growth.
Sources: Catholic Idenity, Catholic- Resources, e-Catholic 2000
John Audience: Broader Christian community, both Jewish and Gentile Emphasis: Jesus as the eternal Word and divine Son of God Key Themes: • High Christology: Emphasizes Jesus’ divinity and pre-existence. • Signs and Miracles: Seven signs (miracles) that reveal Jesus’ divine nature. • Jesus uses the phrase “I am,” echoing God’s name in Exodus, to describe his identity • Frequent use of light and darkness imagery. Unique Elements: • Begins with the Prologue, a theological reflection on the Word becoming flesh. • Includes lengthy discourses, such as the Farewell Discourse. Mark Audience: Gentile Christians, likely in Rome Emphasis: Jesus as the suffering servant and Son of God Key Themes: • Jesus often instructs people to keep His identity secret. • Emphasizes the cost of following Jesus and the disci- ples’ misunderstandings. • Detailed account of Jesus’ suffering and death. Unique Elements: • The shortest Gospel, characterized by its fast pace and frequent use of the word “immediately.” • Begins with Jesus’ baptism, skipping the birth nar- rative.
Unique Elements: •
Includes the Beatitudes and the Lord’s Prayer. Contains extensive parables, such as the
• •
Parable of the Talents.
Luke Emphasis: Jesus as the Savior of all people, with a focus on compassion and social justice Key Themes: • Jesus’ ministry extends to Gentiles, the poor, and marginalized, universal salvation. • Frequent mentions of the Holy Spirit’s role in Jesus’ life and mission. • Emphasizes Jesus’ prayer life and includes many par- ables, such as the Good Samaritan and the Prodigal Son. Detailed birth narrative, including the Annuncia- tion, Visitation, and Nativity. • Includes the Canticles used in the Liturgy of the Hours: Magnificat, Benedictus, Nunc Dimittis Unique Elements: •
source: USCCB and EWTN
source: Catechism of the Catholic Church
DID YOU KNOW?
Angels we have heard on high
Christmas is not just one day. It begins on Christmas Day and ends on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, which typically falls on the Sunday after Jan. 6, or in some cases, on Jan. 13. The Christmas season is marked by the singing of the Gloria, the use of white vestments, and the frequent reading of Scriptures that narrate the birth of Christ. The celebration of the Feast of the Epiphany, is celebrated on the Sunday nearest Jan. 6.
Enjoy this Christmas season with a playlist that celebrates the birth of our king.
Scan the QR code to listen to the Spotify playlist.
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DIOCESE OF BROWNSVILLE
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THE VALLEY CATHOLIC
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