Epiphany of the Lord (January 7, 2024)
Is 60.1-6; Eph 3.2-3a, 5-6; Mt 2.1-12
King Herod represents those threatened and insecure people who greet the birth of a child with fear. Just as he deceitfully tried to ascertain the child’s whereabouts so that he might kill Him (as Herod typically did with any would-be contenders to his throne), many today see the unborn child as a threat to their own throne of comfort, lifestyle, and personal autonomy.
On the other hand the wise men from the East debase themselves for the sake of Christ. Though they were kings, they pay homage to the new King, not thinking themselves too great or wise. They represent those who, through effort and quest, and despite risk and deception and danger, strive to do whatever it takes to combat the culture of death, and reverence the gift of life from conception to natural death.
Let us remember that since God revealed His very self in human flesh, all human flesh has been made sacred. So, the unborn, who themselves possess human flesh, must be protected at all stages of development.
Pro-Life Intercession
That all nations may walk in the Light of Christ by enacting policies that protect human life, which is always a manifestation of God’s glory, we pray to the Lord ...