Tuesday, January 6, 2009

The Epiphany Of Our Lord

January 6th is the Epiphany of Our Lord.

The word "Epiphany" means "manifestation." The Church in the Mass, commemorates a triple manifestation of Christ: to the Magi, that is, to the Gentiles; in His Baptism, when the Voice from heaven declared: "This is My Beloved Son;" and in the miracle of changing water into wine at Cana.

(The Roman Missal, 1962)

Gradual (Isaias 60. 6. 1)
All they from Saba shall come, bringing gold and frankincense and showing forth praise to the Lord. Arise and be enlightened, O Jerusalem: for the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.

Alleluia, alleluia. (Matt. 2. 2) We have seen His star in the East, and are come with gifts to adore the Lord. Alleluia.


Why cruel Herod, dost thou fear,
Because the Christ is come so near?
He who doth heavenly kingdoms grant
Thine earthly realm can never want.

The Magi from the East are gone
To where the star hath newly shone:
Led on by light to Light they press,
And by their gifts their God confess.

The Lamb of God is manifest
Again in Jordan's water blest,
And he who sin had never known
By washing hath our sins undone.

Yet he that ruleth everything
Can change the nature of the spring,
And gives at Cana this for sign
The water reddens into wine.

Then glory, Lord, to thee we pay
For thine Epiphany today;
All glory as is ever meet,
To Father and to Paraclete.
Amen

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