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Sunday, January 5, 2003

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Epiphany


Isaiah 60:1-6
Ephesians 3:2-3, 5-6
Psalm 72
Matthew 2:1-12

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now, starring you

"The star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the Child was. They were overjoyed at seeing the star." —Matthew 2:9-10

The Star advancing from Jacob is Jesus, as prophesied by Balaam (Nm 24:17). In the last chapter of the Bible, Jesus is identified as "the bright Morning Star" (Rv 22:16).

The star the wise men followed was an astronomical rarity or even a miracle.

The star, as preached by the Church Fathers and countless other preachers, is each Christian. Because we Christians are imitating Jesus, the Star, we are stars. We lead people to Christ. We are the light of the world (Mt 5:14), in fact, the guiding light, leading others to Jesus. We must star by evangelization, and we will be held accountable on Judgment Day for being a star. Our stardom should be not a rarity but an everyday occurrence, as are the stars in the sky (see Phil 2:15, NAB). Our stardom should be daily miracles of love overriding selfishness and faith overcoming fear.

When you look at the manger scene, identify not only with the poverty of Jesus, the holiness of Mary, and the faithfulness of Joseph but also with the light of the star. You are baptized for stardom. Shine!

Prayer:  Father, give me the faith, love, wisdom, and zeal to want to star for You.

Promise:  "All from Sheba shall come bearing gold and frankincense, and proclaiming the praises of the Lord." —Is 60:6

Praise:  Praise Jesus, risen bright Morning Star!

Reference:  (For a related teaching, order our tapes on Evangelization on audio AV 55-1 and AV 55-3 or video V-55.)

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend David L. Zink, June 12, 2002


Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 13, 2002