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Gospel for the The Epiphany of the Lord

January 3, 2027 · Matthew 2:1-12

The Magi follow the star

On the Epiphany, Jesus is revealed to all peoples. Some magi from the east follow a star and worship him. Matthew 2:1-12

Liturgical color: white

This Sunday’s Gospel, in everyday words

Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, when Herod was king. Some magi came from the east to Jerusalem. Matthew 2:1

They asked where the newborn king of the Jews was. They had seen his star and had come to worship him. Matthew 2:2

When King Herod heard this, he was greatly troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Matthew 2:3

The chief priests and the scribes told him that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem, as the prophet had written. Matthew 2:4-6

Herod secretly called the magi and sent them to Bethlehem. He asked them to let him know when they found the child. Matthew 2:7-8

The star went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. They were overjoyed. Matthew 2:9-10

They went into the house, found the child with Mary his mother, and knelt down to worship him. Matthew 2:11

They opened their treasures and offered him gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Matthew 2:11

In a dream they were warned not to go back to Herod, and they went home to their country by another way. Matthew 2:12

What the Bible says

Matthew 2:1-12

1When Jesus therefore was born in Bethlehem of Juda, in the days of king Herod, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem. 2Saying, Where is he that is born king of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east, and are come to adore him. 3And king Herod hearing this, was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4And assembling together all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, he inquired of them where Christ should be born. 5But they said to him: In Bethlehem of Juda. For so it is written by the prophet: 6And thou Bethlehem the land of Juda art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come forth the captain that shall rule my people Israel. 7Then Herod, privately calling the wise men, learned diligently of them the time of the star which appeared to them; 8And sending them into Bethlehem, said: Go and diligently inquire after the child, and when you have found him, bring me word again, that I also may come to adore him. 9Who having heard the king, went their way; and behold the star which they had seen in the east, went before them, until it came and stood over where the child was. 10And seeing the star they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. 11And entering into the house, they found the child with Mary his mother, and falling down they adored him; and opening their treasures, they offered him gifts; gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12And having received an answer in sleep that they should not return to Herod, they went back another way into their country.

Douay-Rheims Bible (Challoner revision), public domain.

The other readings at Mass

First Reading

Rise up, Jerusalem, for your light has come. The nations will come to you bringing gold and frankincense. Isaiah 60:1-6

Responsorial Psalm

The kings of every nation will bow down before the king whom God sends, who defends the poor. Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-13

Second Reading

Paul explains a mystery: the Gentiles, too, share in the inheritance and the promise of Christ. Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6

The full readings for this day, from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops: bible.usccb.org

What the Church teaches

The Epiphany

The Epiphany is the revealing of Jesus as Messiah, Son of God, and Savior of the world.

Catechism 528

The first from all the nations

In the magi, the Gospel sees the first of the nations who welcome Jesus.

Catechism 528

The day of the feast

In the United States it is celebrated this Sunday. In other countries, such as Spain, it is celebrated on January 6.

EWTN and dominicos.org calendars for January 3, 2027

The color white

In the Christmas season the priest wears white.

General Instruction of the Roman Missal 346

To read with your children

Some magi from the east saw a star. Matthew 2:1-2

The star led them to the place where Jesus was. Matthew 2:9

They knelt down to worship the Baby Jesus. Matthew 2:11

They gave him gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Matthew 2:11

You can give Jesus your heart too.

To talk about as a family

  1. The magi left their homeland to look for Jesus. What is hard for us to leave behind to look for him?
  2. What “stars” have helped us find God: people, moments, places?
  3. For the child: if you were one of the magi, what gift would you bring Jesus?

This week

This week, let each one think of a gift for Jesus that cannot be bought: a favor, forgiveness, or a prayer.

To pray

Lord Jesus, the magi looked for you by following a star. Guide us to you as well, and receive the best of our hearts. Amen.

Who is in it?