Daily Gospel Reflection for January 5, 2025: The Epiphany of the Lord

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Today's Gospel: Matthew 2:1-12

In reading today's Gospel, I'm impressed by the boldness of the magi, perhaps because it seems to be a rare commodity these days.

The magi recognized the sign, the star, set out on a journey (likely perilous in that time and place), and saw their mission through to its completion. Upon reaching where the star had stopped, they were "overjoyed." They prostrated themselves before the child Jesus, offered their gifts, then defied Herod by not reporting back to Jerusalem.

Lately, I've become more aware of the boldness and oftentimes heroism of saints who, like the magi, are not dissuaded when God's call is challenging, difficult, dangerous, or merely sets them at odds with the cultural status quo or the powers that be.

It is so easy to be dissuaded - this sign is merely coincidence, that call is of my own imagining, those tasks are too difficult or not meant for me. In contrast, the magi were not dissuaded; they acted boldly and beheld Christ, the newborn king.

Ponder:

God still gives signs. Do I recognize them?

God still calls me away from my comfort to do difficult things. Do I ignore him?

Fortitude is a gift of the Holy Spirit. Do I avail myself of it or do I merely go along to get along?

Pray:

God, grant me the fortitude to live boldly, seeking Your signs and answering Your call, regardless the cost.

Copyright 2025 Carolyn Astfalk