Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord (A)

Reference & Gospel Reflection to the Sunday Readings : Years 2014 (A), 2015 (B), and 2016 (C)

January 5, 2013
Scripture References: Liturgical readings
Isaiah 60:1-6
Psalm 72
Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6
Matthew 2:1-12

"On entering the house, they found the Child."

Jesus is the only Person pre-announced in the history of human civilization. The pre-announcements and prophecies pointing to His birth came from His own Jewish religion and also from prophets and wise men of other faiths. It is these prophetic references to His birth that the wise men, "three Kings", or Magi from the East, watched the skies for a sign of His birth. These men may have been astrologers since they knew about stars in their rising. So as they found the star, they followed it until they arrived in a manger. They entered the place, and found the Child wrapped in swaddling clothes. His mother Mary and St. Joseph were attending to Him. The Magi saw the light from the heavens that lit the way for them to see the brightest Light that is meant for all people.

In a sermon on the feast of the Epiphany, St. Peter Chrysologus (ca. 400-450 A.D.), one of the early Doctors of the Church, spoke and wrote about this mystery:

"Today the Magi gaze in deep wonder at what they see: heaven on earth, earth in heaven, man in God, God in man, One whom the whole universe cannot contain now enclosed in a tiny body. As they look, they believe and do not question, as their symbolic gifts bear witness: incense for God, gold for a King, myrrh for One who is to die."

God, King and Martyr. This is how Jesus, the Messiah, will also reveal Himself to us in our time. He reveals Himself first to Mary and Joseph, to the Magi and to His people Israel. He is now revealing Himself to us, the new Israel, in the Church and her sacraments. How generous of the Father to reveal His Son incarnated in Jewish ancestry and culture, and with a human nature shared by all races. God reveals Himself in all simplicity - within a family. Something all cultures and races can related with. God manifests His glory clothed in humility: a truth consistent throughout the gospels. He is God from the womb of a Virgin and a manger in Bethlehem. He is King as He was condemned to die on a Cross. And He is a Martyr entombed in one owned by Joseph of Arimathea. All these are one in the light of the Resurrection.

Scripture quotes from the Sunday readings:
All from Sheba shall come bearing gold and frankincense, and proclaiming the praises of the Lord (Isaiah 60)
The kings of Arabia and Seba shall bring tribute (Psalm 72)
In Christ Jesus the Gentiles are now co-heirs with the Jews (Ephesians 3)
The astrologers from the east opened their coffers and presented to the Lord gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh (Matthew 2)

The Blessed Mother's Role in the "Latter Times"

The Role of the Virgin Mary in the "Latter Times

Introduction

One of the great contributions of St. Louis-Marie Grignion de Montfort in Mariology (study on the Blessed Mother) is his writing about her role in "the latter times". A quote from his book, "The True Devotion to Mary", expresses well this role:

"The salvation of the world began through Mary and through her it must be accomplished." (True Devotion, #49)

Mary's role in the latter times

St. Louis-Marie Grignion de Montfort explains in detail why God wishes Mary to have a role in the end times. He gives the reasons in his book, "The True Devotion":

• Keeping herself hidden by her great humility, Mary has obtained from God the favor of being made known


• God wishes to be glorified and praised by those who devoted themselves to Him through Mary


• Mary must be known and acknowledged so that Jesus may be known and acknowledged


• As Mary is the way by which Jesus first came to us, she will again be the way by which Jesus will again come to us, though not in the same manner


• Mary must be better known for the deeper understanding and the greater glory of the Blessed Trinity


• In the latter times, or end times, Mary is to shine forth: in mercy, to bring back sinners to God and the Church; in power, to combat the enemies of Christ; in grace, to inspire and support Christ's soldiers


• Mary must become as terrible as an army in battle array to the Evil One and his followers, especially in the end times [True Devotion, #50-54]

What are the latter times or end times?

Though St. Louis-Marie did not explain what he means by the "latter times", we can obtain what this can mean from the book, "The End Will Not Be At Once", by Fr. Herman Hendrickx. Fr. Hendrickx, a bible scholar, gives an idea of what the end times will be by his study of Mark 13:1-4 and Luke 21:5-36. These two passages recount what Jesus told his disciples about the end. Although the scriptural texts may appear frightening, all those fearful details must be understood within the context of the second coming of Jesus - when the redemption of all Christians comes, and all will stand with confidence before Christ.

Devotion to Mary is necessary in the latter times


It is in view of these end times where we will receive our redemption, that St. Louis-Marie de Montfort concludes that Mary's role is necessary. Devotees of Mary in the end times will have recourse to her as their advocate and mediatrix before Jesus. She will be the "safest, easiest, shortest, and most perfect way of approaching Jesus".


St. Louis-Marie foresaw that those who devote themselves to Mary in these end times will be the "true apostles of the latter times". The simplicity and self-sacrifice of Jesus will be reflected in the whole behavior of all who give themselves to Jesus through Mary in the end.

The latter times is a mystery

When the latter times or end times will be is beyond all human capacity to know. St. Louis-Marie says that: "Only God knows. For our part we must yearn and wait for it in silence and in prayer." (True Devotion, #55-59).

Why did St. Louis-Marie mention the "latter times"?

One reason in relation to his spiritual intuition on the mystery of the Incarnation. He shares his spiritual insight by saying that, "as she [Mary] was the way by which Jesus first came to us (through the mystery of the Incarnation), she will again be the way by which He [Jesus] will come to us the second time though not in the same manner." This spiritual intuition of Montfort can help us see the importance of Marian devotion for our times.

Montfort lived during the years 1673-1716 A.D. in France. But even before the apparitions at Fatima, St. Louis-Marie says that Mary is "to bring back and welcome lovingly the poor sinners and wanderers who are to be converted and return to the Catholic Church". (True Devotion #50-6). "...For Satan, knowing that he has little time - even less now than ever - to destroy souls, intensifies his efforts and his onslaughts every day. (True Devotion #50-7).

Montfort foresees that the Evil One will "stir up savage persecutions and set treacherous snares for Mary's faithful servants and children in the end times. (True Devotion #50-7).

Montfort writes that it is necessary to make Mary known during the end times. For it is by her that Jesus will come to us a second time, though not in the same manner [as the first coming]. In the "latter times", "the humble Mary will always triumph over Satan, the proud one, and so great will be her victory that she will crush his head, the very seat of his pride." (True Devotion #54).

Related resources:

• Six Popular Apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary


• Books on Mary and a Documentary on the Nativity, from
  Ignatius Press.com


• Method of Praying the Holy Rosary


• God Alone: The Collected Writings of St. Louis-Marie
  Grignion de Montfort


• The Jerusalem Bible


• "The End Will Not Be At Once", by Herman Hendrickx

Feasts of Saints Celebrated in the Month of January

Mary, Mother of God, (January 1)

also on January 1: Concordius, martyr; Felix of Bourger; Almachius or Telemachus, martyr; Euphrosyne, virgin; Eugendus or Oyend, abbot; William of Saint Benignus, abbot; Fulgentius, bishop; Clarus, abbot; Peter of Atroa, abbot; Odilo, abbot; Franchea, virgin; Guiseppe Maria Tomasi

Basil: (died 1 Jan. 379 A.D.); hermit who became bishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia: noted for his learning; foe of Arianism; wrote a rule on monasticism; source of Eucharistic Prayer IV; along with Gregory Nazianzen, Athanasius (2 May) and John Chrysostom (13 Sept), considered one of the four great doctors of the Eastern Church. (January 2)

Gregory Nazianzen: (died 25 Jan. 389 or 390 A.D.); Patriarch of Constantinople; noted for his knowledge of Sacred Scripture and for his outstanding teaching abilities and eloquence. (January 2)

also on January 2: Macarius of Alexandria; Munchin, bishop; Vincentian; Adalhard or Adelard, abbot; Caspar del Bufalo

on January 3: Antherus, priest and martyr; Geneviève, virgin; Bertilia of Mereuil, widow

on January 4: Elizabeth Ann Seton; Gregory of Langres, bishop; Pharaïldis, virgin; Rigobert of Rheims, bishop

on January 5: John Neumann, bishop; Apollinaris Syncletica, virgin; Syncletica, virgin; Simeon Stylites; Convoyon, abbot; Dorotheus the Younger, abbot; Gerlac

on January 6: John of Ribera, bishop; Charles Melchior from Sezze, religious; Raphaela Maria Porras of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, virgin; Wiltrudis, widow; Erminold, abbot; Guarinus or Guérin, bishop

Raymond of Peñafort (died 1275 A.D. at age of 99); O.P.; second master general after St. Dominic; collator of canon law, esp. Decretales Gregorii IX; noted work on penance: Summa de casibus poenitentiae; patron of canonists and lawyers. (January 7)

also on January 7: Lucian of Antioch, martyr; Valentine, bishop; Tillo; Aldric, bishop; Reinold; Canute Lavard; Kentigerna, widow

on January 8: Apollinaris of Hierapolis, bishop; Lucian of Beauvais, martyr; Severinus of Noricum; Severinus of Septempeda, bishop; Erhard, bishop; Gudula, virgin; Pega, virgin; Wulsin, bishop; Thorfinn, bishop

on January 9: Marciana, virgin and martyr; Julian, Basilissa and Companions, martyrs; Peter of Sebaste, bishop; Waningus or Vaneng; Adrian of Canterbury, abbot; Berhtwald of Canterbury, abbot

on January 10: Marcian; John the Good, bishop; Agatho, priest; Peter Orseolo; William, bishop

on January 11: Theodosius the Cenobiarch; Salvius or Sauve, bishop

on January 12: Arcadius, martyr; Tigirius and Eutropius, martyrs; Caesaria, virgin; Victorian, abbot; Benedict or Benet Biscop, bishop; Antony Pucci, priest

Hilary of Poitiers: (died 367 A.D.); married and convert from paganism; leading opponent of Arianism in the West; most noted work: De Trinitate (January 13)

also on January 13: Agrecius or Agritius, bishop; Berno, abbot

on January 14: Felix Nola, confessor; Macrina the Elder, widow; Barbasymas and Companions, martyrs; Datius, bishop; Kentigern or Mungo, bishop; Sava, bishop

on January 15: Paul the First Hermit, confessor; Maur, abbot; Macarius the Elder; Isidore of Alexandria; John Calybites; Ita, virgin; Bonet or Bonitus, bishop; Ceowulf

January 16: Marcellus I, priest; Priscilla, matron; Honoratus, bishop; Fursey, abbot; Henry of Cocket; Berard and Companions, martyrs

Anthony: (died 356 A.D. at the age of 105); born in Upper Egypt; hermit and early founder of religious life; called the "Patriarch of Monks"; aided Athanasius of Alexandria in combating Arianism; patron invoked against skin diseases. (January 17)

also on January 17: Speusippus, Eleusippus and Meleusippus, martyrs; Genulf or Genou, bishop; Julian Sabas, hermit; Sabinus of Piacenza, bishop; Richimir, abbot; Sulpicius II or Sulpice

on January 18: Prisca, virgin and martyr; Volusian, bishop; Deicolus or Desle, abbot

on January 19: Canute or Knute, king and martyr; Germanicus, martyr; Nathalan, bishop; Albert of Cashel, bishop; Fillan or Foelan, abbot; Wulstan, bishop; Henry of Uppsala, bishop and martyr

Fabian (died 250 A.D. under Decius; layman elected bishop of Rome in 236 A.D.; an "incomparable man" (St. Cyprian to Pope St. Cornelius) (January 20)

Sebastian: (died 288? A.D. at Rome under Diocletian); Christian soldier whose acta tell of his being pierced by arrows, later being clubbed to death. (January 20)

also on January 20: Euthymius the Great, abbot; Fechin, abbot; Eustochia Calafato

Agnes: (died beginning of the 4th c. A.D.); martyred under Diocletian at the age of 12 (so Augustine and Ambrose report): patroness of Christian virtue confronted by political and social violence; represented with a martyr's palm and a lamb (her name in Latin, agnus=lamb); today, two lambs, whose wool is used to make the pallia presented to newly appointed Metropolitan archbishops on June 29, are blessed; named mentioned in the Roman Canon. (January 21)

also on January 21: Fructuosus of Tarragona, bishop and martyr; Patroclus, martyr; Epiphanius of Pavia, bishop; Meinrad, martyr; Alban Roe, priest and martyr

Vincent: (died in early 4th c. A.D., at Valencia, Spain); deacon of the Church of Saragossa; protomartyr of Spain; patron of wine-producers. (January 22)

also on January 22: Anastasius, martyr; Blesilla, widow; Dominic of Sora, abbot; Berhtwald, bishop; Valerius of Saragossa; Vincent Pallotti, priest

on January 23: Emerentiana, virgin and martyr; Asclas, martyr; Agathangelus and Clement, martyrs; John the Almsgiver, patriarch; Ildephonsus, bishop; Bernard or Barnard, bishop; Lufthildis, virgin; Maimbod, martyr

Francis de Sales: (died 1622 A.D.); bishop of Geneva; sought to bring many back to the Church through his personal life and writings, especially his Controversies and several devout treatises, including his Introduction to the Devout Life; founder with St. Jane Frances de Chantal (18 Aug.) of the Visitation Order; patron of writers, journalists and the deaf. (January 24)

also on January 24: Babylas, bishop and martyr; Felician, bishop and martyr; Messalina, martyr; Macedonius

on January 25: Conversion of Paul, apostle; Artemas, martyr; Juventinus and Maximinus, martyrs; Publius, abbot; Apollo, abbot; Praejectus or Prix, bishop and martyr; Poppo, abbot

Timothy: (died c. 97 A.D.); First bishop of Ephesus, missionary, and companion of St. Paul. A native of Lystra, he was the son of a Jewish woman named Eunice and a Greek Gentile. Converted to the faith by St. Paul, he became a very valuable assistant and companion to him on several missions, such as those to the Corinthians and Thessalonians. (January 26)

Titus: (died c. 96 A.D.); A disciple and companion of St. Paul to whom the great saint addressed one of his letters. He was left on the island of Crete to help organize the Church. According to Eusebius of Caesarea in the Ecclesiastical History, he served as the first bishop of Crete. (January 26)

also on January 26: Paula, widow; Conan, bishop; Alberic, abbot; Eystein, bishop; Margaret of Hungary, virgin

Angela Merici: (died 1540 A.D. at Brescia); orphaned at 10; foundress of the Ursulines, the first teaching order especially for poor young girls; sought re-evangelization of families through education of future wives and mothers. (January 27)

also on January 27: Julian of Le Mans, bishop; Marius or May, abbot; Vitalian, priest

Thomas Aquinas: (died 1274 A.D.); O.P.; the "Angelic Doctor" who wrote the Summa Theologiae and authored Adoro te devote, O salutaris, Tantum ergo, and Pange lingua; patron of Catholic schools, colleges and universities, of philosophers, theologians and booksellers. (January 28)

also on January 28: Peter Nolasco, confessor; John of Reomay, abbot; Paulinus of Aquileia, bishop; Charlemagne; Amadeus, bishop; Peter Thomas, bishop

on January 29: Sabinian, martyr; Gildas the Wise, abbot; Sulpicius "Severus", bishop

January 30: Martina, virgin and martyr; Barsimaeus, bishop; Bathildis, widow; Aldegundis, virgin; Adelelmus or Aleaume, abbot; Hyacintha Mariscotti, virgin; Mutien Marie Wiaux

John Bosco: (died 1888 A.D. at Turin); founded (1859 A.D.) the Salesians, today numbering over 17,500; dedicated to educating youth; with St. Mary Mazzarello, founded the Salesian Sisters; a pioneer in vocational training; patron of editors.(January 31)

also on January 31: Cyrus and John, martyrs; Marcella, widow; Aidan or Maedoc of Ferns, bishop; Adamus of Coldingham; Ulphia, virgin; Eusebius, martyr; Nicetas of Novgorod, bishop; Francis Xavier Bianchi