First reading
Isaiah 60:1–6
Above you the glory of the Lord appears.
Responsorial psalm
Psalm 71(72):1–2, 7–8, 10–13
R. Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.
Second reading
Ephesians 3:2–3, 5–6
It has now been revealed that pagans share the same inheritance.
Gospel acclamation
Matthew 2:2
We have seen his star in the East; and have come to adore the Lord.
Gospel
Matthew 2:1–12
The visit of the Magi
Images from the Word
- Magi from the east
- Go and search diligently
- Stopped over the place
- Your light has come
- Members of the same body
Liturgical notes
On Epiphany, the Old Testament reading and the Gospel continue the Roman tradition; the text for the reading from the apostolic letters is about the calling of all peoples to salvation. On the feast of the Baptism of the Lord, the texts chosen are about this mystery.
—Lectionary for Mass: Introduction, §95
Again the Church has its plans when choosing the Lectionary for these days. The days of Christmas and Epiphany remind us of the universal call to holiness that our God makes to all nations. While God may call us into his beloved Body of Christ, the Church, God invites us to reach out to all peoples with the Good News of salvation. This call will only be complete when Christ is ‘all in all’ in every aspect of our lives.
‘Behold, the Lord, the Mighty One, has come; and kingship is in his grasp, and power and dominion.’
—entrance antiphon