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The Epiphany of the Lord Original Site of the Birth of Jesus
Directory of Ministries
St. Luke Immaculate Conception St. Bernard
DRE DRE DRE
Sr. Veronica, OCD Pending Mrs. Ana Morales
364-4852 Altar Servers 364-5994
Altar Servers / RCIA Dc Gabriel Espino Christian Mothers
Dc Ed Gómez Altar Society Sandra Arevalos
364-3670 Pending Exposition of the Blessed
Exposition of the Blessed Carismáticos Sacrament
Sacrament Dc Joaquin Carrasco Wed. 9 am—3 pm
Fri. 7:30 am—5 pm 364-8494 Music Ministers
Chapel Cursillistas Gilbert Gutiérrez
Carismáticos Pending Carismáticos
Dc Mario Castillo Extraordinary Ministers of the Dc Rocky Yanez
364-4411 Eucharist 364-2762
Cursillistas John Brooks Young Adult Group
Pending Music Ministers Carlos Tobón
Ángel Galáz ccdpyoungadults@gmail.com
Lector / EM Training Sr. Lucy, SSND Society of St. Vincent de Paul
Dc Raúl Cantua Dana Wekerle Douglas—364-3637 / 7573
364-4411 Emma Valdivia
Music Ministers Alfredo Rubio
Marsha John Catholic Community
Dc Mario Castillo Youth Group
Donaldo Paco Letty García
Francisco Romo 364-8494
Carlos Tobón Young Adult Group
Loretto Children’s Choir Carlos Tobón
Sr. Antonia, OCD ccdpyoungadults@gmail.com.
364-5754 Exposition of the Blessed
Social Concerns Ministry Sacrament
Georgina Ortega First Fri. 10 am—5pm
364-3743 Every Fri. 7:30—9:30 pm
Catholic Community
Young Adult Group
Carlos Tobón Parish Office Phone Numbers:
ccdpyoungadults@gmail.com St. Luke
Loretto Catholic School 364-4411 / 364-2397 fax
Sr. Caridad, OCD Immaculate Conception
364-5754 364-8494 / 364-8495 fax
Kindergarten—8th grade St. Bernard
364-2762 / 364-2520 fax
Sacraments / Sacramentos:
Counseling / Home Visits / Anointing: Please call the parish office; Por favor, llame la oficina parroquial
Baptisms / Bautismos: Registrations / Inscripciones: Mon.—Fri. 9 am—5 pm; Lunes—Viernes, 9 am—5 pm
Marriages / XV: Schedule 4—6 mo. in advance; Por favor, llame la oficina parroquial 4 meses adelantados
FRANK TADEO’S HIGH DESERT MI RANCHITO
Complete Car VETERINARY SERVICE MEAT MARKET
Care Center Michael S. John, D.V.M. 648 G. Avenue
1420 G. Avenue 2555 9th Street Douglas, Az.
Douglas, Az. Douglas, Az. (520) 364-8432
(520) 364-5260 (520) 364-3268
ALEX ESPINOSA ROY CLARK dba CYPRESS INN
FUNERAL HOME, LLC BAXTER PLUMBING Supervisory Care
A. E. MEMORIALS & 1777 E. 23rd Street Licensed
HEADSTONS Douglas, Az. Advanced, Tri-Level
Alex Espinosa, Director (520) 364-9495 Quality Care
Serving Locally & Statewide at reasonable prices
1094 W. Highway 92 Felix Aquino, Administrator
Bisbee, Az. 85603 757 12th Street
(520) 432-4242 / 2491 Douglas, Az.
alexespinosafuneralhomes (520) 364-7232
@gmail.com
aememorials@gmail.com
LABORATORIO CLINICO AVA NAILS & SPA
24 HORAS 1350 San Antonio Avenue
Q. B. Gloria Alicia Caballero Douglas, Az.
Calle 5, Avenida 11 Esquina (520) 364-6188
Agua Prieta, Son. Mx. Mon.—Sat. 10 am—8 pm
(520) 303-5809 Sun. 11 am—5 pm
633-33-3-4507 Angelica Garcia
Designated Broker
1015 G. Avenue
Douglas, Az.
(520) 227-4421
Angelica@longrealty.com
LAI LAI RESTAURANT FIRST GLASS
Sweet/Sour Chick..……...$9.99 Commercial, Residential
Orange Chicken……......$11.99 Auto Glass services
Mongolian Beef………….$10.49 Board up services, 24 hrs.
Chick w/ Brocolli.….......$9.99 Felipe Noriega, Owner Becky Woolery-Fredrickson
Kung Pao Beef…………..$10.49 Independent Beauty Consultant
1060 15th Street Advanced Color Consultant
Shrimp w/ Cashews…...$14.99 Douglas, Az.
BBQ Pork w/ Cabbage.....$9.99 (520) 364-9496 / 2088
Szechuan Duck (half)….$14.99 (520) 364-2929 (fax) P. O. Box 4016
PLUS Douglas, Az. 85608
Buffet & More
520-261-2325
Call ahead for take out!
1341 F. Avenue
Douglas, Az. rwoolery@marykay.com
(520) 364-8898 www.marykay.com/rwoolery
MASS INTENTIONS
Saint Luke
Saturday, January 4 Monday, January 6
5:00 p. m. English Vigil Mass 7:00 a. m. English Mass
+ Edward & Rafaela Calderón + Bill Kimble, Sr., Marnee Brady
+ Bud, Virginia & Diana Groves
+ José & Lydia Ortiz (Ann.) Tuesday, January 7
+ Gianna Sophia Hurtado (4th Ann.) 7:00 a. m. English Mass
Recovery of Health: Special Intention: Victoria Mariscal
Liz Ames James Johnston
Louise Kimble José Luís Basulto Wednesday, January 8
Branden Arevalo Michael Peters
7:00 a. m. English Mass
John Monjarres
+ Christina Taylor-Green (Ann.)
Special Intention:
John Hook
Danny Amarillas Thursday, January 9
In Thanksgiving: 7:00 a. m. English Mass
The intercession of the Blessed Mother + Conrado A. Duron
The intercession of St. Therese, the Little Flower, Special Intention: Frank Krentz (B-day)
St. Ramón & St. Martin Caballero
Friday, January 10
Sunday, January 5 7:00 a. m. English Mass
9:00 a. m. English Mass + Frances Rivera Valencia (19th Ann.)
+ Juan S. Galvez Special Intention:
+ Chuck Hoyack Michelle Kimble
Recovery of Health: Janet Campa
David Oventile Victoria Mariscal Clergy & Religious of the Parish
Luciano González III Maria Hoke All Souls in Purgatory
John & Laura Necas Janet Campa
Special Intention: Patrick Hoyack
In Thanksgiving: The intercession of St. Therese, the
Little Flower, Pauline & Leonie, St. Blaise,
St. Philomena, & St. Peregrine IN SINCERE APPRECIATION
Collection for the week of Dec. 29, 2019
10:30 a. m. Spanish Mass $4,354.92
+ Joel Martínez
+ Jorge Sodari
+ Guadalupe Sodari (8th Ann.) Second Collections
+ Filemon Valencia (2nd Ann.) Society of St. Vincent de Paul
Por su Salud de: José Luís Basulto
$747.75
Nota Especial: Christmas
El Grupo de Oración Carismática $2,481.72
se cancela
esta Miercoles, 8 de enero, 2020.
MASS INTENTIONS
Immaculate Conception
Sunday, January 5 Monday, January 6
12:00 p. m. English Mass 9:00 a. m. Spanish Mass
+ Lewis Boatner + Frances Boatner + Claudia Morales
+ Arturo C. Morales + Louisa B. Morales + Joe Pérez
+ Robert C. Boatner + Olivia B. Amarillas
+ Edward L. Boatner + Celia Boatner Tuesday, January 7
+ Jimmy J. Boatner + Josefina Owen 9:00 a. m. English Mass
+ Frank Q. Owen + Bette Romero + Jerry Smith + Bea Smith
+ Guillermo “Bill” Owen + Memo Martínez + Dr. George Spikes + Claudia Morales
+ José Pedro Gutiérrez + Manuel Corella
+ Claudia Morales + Dominic Torres Wednesday, January 8
+ Pete Grijalva, Jr. 9:00 a. m. Spanish Mass
Recovery of Health: + Joe Pérez
Liz Ames Thiago Inzunza
José Luís & Irma Basulto
Thursday, January 9
6:00 p. m. Spanish Mass 9:00 a. m. English Mass
+ Jorge Renova + Claudia Morales
+ Letty Sánchez
+ Magdalena Majalca Friday, January 10
+ Jorge “Koki” Salazar 9:00 a. m. Spanish Mass
+ Roberto y Irma Flores + Hector González
+ Héctor y Lorenza León
+ Hector y Maria Romero Saturday, January 11
+ Isidro y Armida Tineo 9:00 a. m. Spanish Mass
+ Miguel, Mila y Arnoldo Celaya + Claudia Morales
Por la Salud de:
Mabel Callaway
Mary Menduett
Maritza Arellano
James Ramey IN SINCERE APPRECIATION
Rosa Rosales Collection for the week of Dec. 29, 2019
Gema Pitol
Reynaldo Majalca $1,854.24
José Luís y Irma Luz Basulto
Second Collections
Society of St. Vincent De Paul
$ 209.96
Nota Especial: Second Collection
El Grupo de Oración Carismática Christmas
se cancela esta Lunes, 6 de enero, $1,309.18
2020.
HOW MUCH SHOULD I GIVE TO MY CHURCH EACH WEEK?
WHAT HAPPENS AT THE OFFERTORY IS THAT WE GIVE BACK TO GOD
WHAT ACTUALLY BELONGS TO HIM, HOURLY WAGE.
Children’s Winter clothing. . .
Thank you to all for your concern for the asylum seeking families,
waiting at our border and in the shelter at Holy Family Parish,
Agua Prieta.
At this time, there is great need for winter clothing, especially for
children and small-sized winter wear for men and women.
Thank you to the Cursillistas for providing lunch each Fri. for those
who are in the tent at the wall.
Gracias a todos por su preocupación por las familias que buscan asilo,
esperando en nuestra frontera y en el refugio de la Parroquia Sagrada Familia,
Agua Prieta. Ahora, se necesita ropa de invierno, especialmente para niños y ropa
de invierno de tallas pequeñas para hombres y mujeres.
¡Gracias a los Cursillistas por preparar y llevar almuerzo cada Viernes
para aquellos que están en la carpa en el muro!
Catholic Community Bible Study~
~ English ~Tues. evenings ~ 6:30 pm ~ St. Luke Parish Hall
~ Español ~ Los Jueves ~ 6 pm ~ Salón CYC, Inmaculada
Concepción
Bible Study resumes Tues. Jan. 7, 2020
El studio de la Biblia se reanudará el 9 de
enero, 2020.
Hacemos un llamado a personas que deseen formar un coro en
Español para cantar el segundo y tercer Domingo del mes en la
Misa de 6 pm. Personas interesadas favor de comunicarse a la
Oficina Parroquial en Inmaculada Concepción.
Around our
Community
Catholic Tuition Support
Organization
The 2019 CTSO scholarship program is underway for this year.
The CTSO’s success is attributed to our parishes and
parishioners who understand the importance of Catholic
education, and who are willing to step up and take advantage
of Arizona’s tax credit programs for deserving students to receive a quality
education, supportive learning environment, academic achievement, and faith-filled values in
our Catholic schools.
Any amount you give is important! The dollar amount you contribute from your Arizona
state income tax liability is redirected to give a Catholic student financial support to continue his
or her education.
Don’t forget married couples, filing jointly, may contribute up to $2,269.00 and
individuals may contribute $1,135.00. Brochures are located in the vestibule of the Church.
Calling High School Students to
Prayer and Action 2020 . . . .
The Prayer and Action El programa de Oración y Acción se
program will be based this basará este verano en San Lucas y la
summer at St. Luke and Loretto Catholic Escuela Católica Loretto, del 28 de
School, June 28 through July 3, 2020. junio al 3 de julio, 2020. El programa
The program is open to incoming Freshmen está abierto a estudiantes en la
through Seniors. Their days will be spent segundaria del grado nueve hasta el
working in our community of Douglas, doce. Pasarán sus días trabajando en
helping those who need with simple service nuestra comunidad de Douglas,
projects at the various pre-determined worksites. ayudando a aquellos que necesitan
The Diocese will receive a grant to a majority of the proyectos de servicios sencillos en los
expenses, however the students need to find ways diversos lugares de trabajo predeterminados
to raise $100 a portion of the monies needed for the week. La Diócesis recibirá una subvención para la
If you’re interested, we’ll help you raise funds. mayoría de los gastos, sin embargo, los
estudiantes deben encontrar formas de
Registrations is available at recaudar una parte del dinero necesario
https://groupmissiontrips.com/trip-types/ para la semana. Tendremos más
catholic-workcamps/douglas-az-2020/ información a medida que este disponible
Joe Alvarez is the parish coordinator. para nosotros. El coordinador es Joe Alvarez
MASS INTENTIONS
Saint Bernard
Sunday, January 5 Wednesday, January 8
7:30 a. m. Our Lady of La salette (English) 8:00 a. m. St. Bernard (Spanish)
People of the Parish + Jesús Ochoa Leyva
10:00 a. m. St. Bernard (Español) Friday, January 10
+ Severo M. Torres, Jr. 8:00 a. m. St. Bernard (Spanish)
Intención Especial: Familia Gilliland Servicio Comunión
IN SINCERE
APPRECIATION
Collection for the week of Dec. 29, 2019
St. Bernard $ 561.61
R E M I N D E R: La Salette $ 737.00
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
Wed. 9 am—2 pm Second Collection
Christmas
St. Bernard
$1,123.60
Los invitamos a San Bernardo a
rezar el Rosario cada Domingo a
las 9:30 am, antes de la Santa Misa.
Nota Especial:
El Grupo de Oración Carismática
se cancela esta
Martes, 7 de enero, 2020.
El Rosario de Restauración continúa a partir del
Martes 14 de enero, 2020, 7
pm, Inmaculada Concepción.
HOLY LAND AND ITALY PILGRIMAGE 2020
The location of the star shown in the
photo is the place (with 100% historical
accuracy) where Jesus was born.
Pilgrimage brochures available in the
vestibule and office.
Folletos de peregrinacion disponibles
en el vestibulo y la oficina.
Simple Marriage Preparation Instruction. .
with Fr. Jojo
Sat. Jan. 18, 2020
10 am—Noon
St. Luke Parish Hall
RSVP by Fri. Jan. 3, 2020, 364-4411
For all couples participating in the Marriage ceremony,
Feb. 15, 2020
CCD / CONFIRMATION
December 2020
Immaculate Conception
CCD & Confirmation classes resume the
week of Jan. 5, 2020.
St. Luke
CCD classes resume Sun. Jan. 5, 2020.
Confirmation classes reconvene Tues. Jan.
7, 2020.
. . .With our Most Sincere Sympathy. . .
to the families who lost loved ones this week. . .
Mr. Jesús Ochoa Levya Mrs. Lupe Jordán
Pastor’s Corner . . .
The Feast of the Epiphany (from the Greek, Epiphanein, to show, to reveal) of the Lord
celebrates the manifestation of Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of God, whose birth became the
vehicle of the good news to the three Magi from the east, as recorded in Mt. 2:1-12, is the same
Gospel story for the three year lectionary cycle. The feast was introduced in the Western
(Latin) Church in the fourth century, where it came to be associated with the visit of the Magi.
In practice, it's usually celebrated on January 6. It evolved into a celebration of the gospel story
of the visit of the Magi on the occasion of Jesus' birth: his epiphany to the gentiles. It is identi-
fied with the visit of the Magi in Mt. 2:12 as part of the entire mystery of incarnation
(God- in- flesh) that the Messiah came for all people, for the entire world and not just for a
privileged few. The Messiah has come to all people, a theme highlighted by Matthew's Gospel.
The word "Magi" refers to a learned caste in Babylonia, probably, astrologers and interpreters
of dreams. In the early of days, everyone believed in astrology. They can tell one's future and
destiny by following the star. It was the wise men's job and profession to watch the heavens.
The Magi saw a start they thought God was breaking into the history of humankind. Definitely,
something spoke to them about the entry of the king to the world.
The Magi are gentiles, foreigners, pagans-spiritual-believed in gods, not in the one God, though.
The word "magus" can mean many things in different places: magicians, soothsayers, sorcerers,
astronomers, astrologers, fortune tellers (not sure if it applies to the fortune cookies thrown on
the table in restaurants). But, Matthew refers to them as astronomers whose job is to watch the
movement of the stars 24/7. They are advisers, counselors and consultants to the king,
highly- skilled people, the elite, VIP's on their right, weird-looking, dressed differently with too
many piercings, and knowledgeable in almost all things. They looked and felt lost, but followed
the star, and eventually found it. They were sometimes called kings although they didn't have a
royalty. They were often depicted in Christmas pageants as wearing funny hats and bathrobes,
holding a 1-800 number promising love, riches, and happiness to the first ten callers.
Nowadays, because of the easy access to communication, if you want to know anything, just
type it in Google search bar or go directly to Wikipedia. In the ancient of days, seekers go the
Magi. Consultation may not be free but you can ask them about anything under the sun. They
are men of holiness and wisdom, no doubt about that. Given their resume, they would have
been the last group of people to take off and follow the guidance of the star.
Well, they just happened to walk across the stage in history but ended up in the nativity scene.
Somehow they realized they didn’t belong in there. They brought strange gifts probably
because they weren’t given invitation. Why would you take gold, frankincense and myrrh as
gifts to a newly born? It’s like bringing a bottle of vodka instead of diapers in a hospital room.
And yet, it’s not so much about what we bring and how we got to the place that matters to
God. What speaks most is how we go back home safe and sound even if it's by a different route
as mentioned in the last verse of the Gospel.
Epiphany means showing, appearance or revelation. It was used to describe the appearance of
a god among the people, a theophany especially of the appearance of the true God in the flesh.
Epiphany without the three kings is closely similar to a Mexican Christmas party without
tamales.Pastor’s Corner. . .
It is a feast that started in the eastern tradition and rich in history but hard to trace the details
as there are limited resources prior to the 4th century.
The journey of the Magi is filled with mystery. The story has been used in many cultures as a
model that reflects social realities and thereby, challenges the status quo. They are foreigners,
pagans, outsiders, and weird-looking people wearing elaborate garb almost similar to the outfit
worn by the pirates of the Caribbean. Given their background, I bet they are the last people to
follow the guidance of the star, a symbol of divinity in the ancients and even now. In today’s
world, they are the people with no religious affiliation, from a completely different background,
who found their way to Catholicism and surely, such a conversion story goes viral in the faith
world and beyond.
To be a Magi is to continue to search for the light the star gives. To be a Magi is to relentlessly
seek for the divine and human truth. To be a Magi is to allow one’s self to be guided by the star.
To be a Magi is to lead others to the star of Bethlehem. To be a Magi is to leave our former way
of life and never get back. To be a Magi is to worship and adore God, the most obvious way to
show our belief.
In an unusual moment, they probably noticed something extraordinary in the constellation as
recorded in the Gospel and were unexpectedly prompted by a strange supernatural star
appearing in the heavens. They entertained it, pursued and checked it out, packed their things
for the adventure of a lifetime, and traveled for only God knows how long it took them to arrive
at Jerusalem, a light to all nations, from a distant country after a journey of a thousand miles
until it rested on the birthplace of Jesus in Bethlehem of Judea, bringing with them expensive
gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. It is an ancient custom that if someone wants to visit a
dignitary, such as a state visit to the Vatican or elsewhere, a gift is almost a must.
It is said that the three Magi represented generations, races and cultures. I don't think I'll be
able to identify them by their appearances as they look the same. Melchor brought Jesus gold,
the most precious of metals, fitting for a king. Caspar carried frankincense, a very expensive
perfume used for divine worship and Balthasar, myrrh, an exotic spice for his humanity. We
may not have the above luxurious and costly gifts and treasures brought by the three Magi, but
our presence in the Church every Sunday, in praise and thanksgiving, our respect and reverence
is enough to show the tiny baby we're greatly delighted to see Him.
Just like them, as pilgrims to the “manger” who "went home by another way" Mt. 2: 12, we have
already received the revelation and found it in a stable in whatever status and circumstances in
life. But, if there's any difference between them and us, the sad truth is that we keep going back
to Herod, to our former way of life, to the life we have supposedly left behind in exchange of the
discovery of the most sublime truth and faith in the newborn king. The three magi modeled for
us the first of its kind, belief starts with worship.
It happens to us when sometimes we find ourselves serving God, far beyond reality 10 years
back, when we find ourselves paying a visit to God, silently seating in the pew when we know it
is more practical to do household chores, help kids with their homework, run errands and the
likes.Pastor’s Corner. . .
The Bible tells numerous stories about how God uses those who don’t fit to accomplish his
purposes. We marvel at the wonders of his love. Often those who consider themselves as not
having the gifts are the ones who actually perform the depths of Christmas. When they start
to find the lost, to heal the broken hearted, to light a path, to lift a burden, a shoulder to cry
on, to share the cross other people carry on their backs, to feed the hungry, to release the
prisoner, to rebuild the nations, to bring peace, etc., is how God is manifested in the world.
This may be a good New Year’s resolution.
When we start to follow Christ in our own way, we begin to notice that our lives are
increasingly at odds with the surrounding culture doing things contrary to what the world
dictates. It could happen to a mother who told her children that they will get only three gifts
on Christmas because they will give donations to the less fortunate. At other times, it could
happen to anyone of us who suddenly leaves his/her well paid position because his faith
would not permit him to measure the value of human life by monetary means. But finally, it
doesn’t have to be a spectacular move, because the little things we do have an infinite value to
God. Amen.
Fr. JojoREFLEXIÓN
Celebración de la Epifanía del Señor
La primera lectura resalta las primera estrofas de un poema. Nos situa en la epoca
post-exílica. Los judíos repatriados, llegados de Mesopotamia, tratan de revivir y mantener la
fe de Israel, aunque polarizada con nacionalismo-ecumenismo, pesimismo-optimismo,
legalismo-humanismo. Discípulos de los discípulos de Isaías (a los caps. 55-66 se les llamo
"Trito-isaías" o "tercer Isaías") levantan la voz para mantener viva la vision del gran profeta
del siglo VIII. Anuncian una epoca de esplendor y de reconocimiento para la pequena ciudad
que apenas comienza a reconstruir sus ruinas: sera el «centro del mundo»; a la luz de un día
sin ocaso, vendran todos los pueblos a traerle sus presentes, sus hijos exiliados retornaran.
Esta primera lectura de la solemnidad de Epifanía nos pone sintonía con los símbolos de la
celebracion de hoy: la luz que guía a los pueblos a Jerusalen sera como la de la estrella que
guía a los magos del evangelio; los tesoros traídos a la ciudad santa desde Oriente y Occidente
se cumpliran en aquellos que los magos pusieron a los pies del nino recien nacido y de su
madre.
El evangelista Mateo nos presenta los relatos del nacimiento del Mesías. Mateo presenta en los
dos primeros capítulos el cumplimiento de las promesas del A.T. En Jesus podemos cifrar
nosotros el hijo de David, el hijo de Abrahan, como leemos en su genealogía, es decir, un
Mesías, y la bendicion para todos los pueblos. El sería un «nuevo Moises», cuyo nacimiento
anuncio un astro resplandeciente, perseguido por el faraon de Egipto que mando matar a los
ninos hebreos, como tambien leemos en el libro del Exodo y en sus comentarios judíos
(los midrashim).
De esta manera, Jesus personifica al verdadero Israel, hijo de Dios, "llamado" desde Egipto, es
decir: liberado, traído de la mano de Dios. Tambien, para Mateo la venida de los magos a
visitar al nino Jesus sera un símbolo del destino universal de todos los pueblos de
incorporarse un día, en el futuro, al cristianismo. Por eso la fiesta de la Epifanía tiene un
sentido misionero y universal.
En el Nuevo Testamento, ademas de Juan 7,42, encontramos referencias a Belen en las
narraciones de Mateo 2 y Lucas 2 acerca del nacimiento del Salvador en la «ciudad de David».
La tradicion de que el Mesías debía nacer en Belen tiene su base en el texto de Miqueas 5,2,
donde se senala que de Belen Efrata debía salir quien gobernaría Israel y sería pastor de su
pueblo.
El termino “magos” procede del griego “magoi”, que significa matematico, astronomo, o mejor,
astrologo. El estudio de los astros y la interpretacion de sus movimientos fueron en la
antiguedad una fuente inestimable de pistas para conocer el destino y el designio de las
personas. El teologo y abogado cartagines Tertuliano (160-220 d.C.) aseguro que los magos
eran «reyes» y que procederían de Oriente.
Ante el evento que supera todo entendimiento humano, ha encarnacion del Hijo de Dios,
buscamos al recien nacido como los magos de oriente para ofrecer nuestros regalos. Ya no oro,
incienso y mirra, sino nuestras almas para que El las santifique. Guiados por la estrella, que
ilumina nuestro caminar, lleguemos hasta su presencia para adorarlo y pedirle que nos haga
obedientes a sus mandatos.REFLEXION
Como dice San Jose María: “A los pies de Jesus Nino, en el día de la Epifanía, ante un Rey sin
senales exteriores de realeza, podeis decirle: Senor, quita la soberbia de mi vida; quebranta
mi amor propio, este querer afirmarme yo e imponerme a los demas. Haz que el fundamento
de mi personalidad sea la identificacion contigo.
Que la Luz de Dios ilumine nuestro entendimiento y nuestros pasos para que en nuestra pe-
regrinacion en este mundo veamos a Cristo en los enfermos, los marginados, los mas pobres
y necesitados del amor de Dios para compartirle nuestros dones. Que la estrella de la fe, espe-
ranza y caridad nos una mas a Dios y a nuestros projimos.
Fr. Marco AntonioNuestra Fé con Padre Marco. . .1
¿QUE CELEBRAMOS EN LA EPIFANIA?
Epifanía significa "manifestacion". Jesus se manifiesta, se da a conocer. Jesus se revela en
diferentes momentos a diferentes personas, la Iglesia celebra tres acontecimientos como
epifanías:
a) Su Epifanía ante los Reyes Magos
b) Su Epifanía a San Juan Bautista en el Jordan
c) Su Epifanía a sus discípulos y comienzo de su vida publica con el milagro en Cana.
La Epifanía que celebramos durante la Navidad es la primera.
La fiesta de la Epifanía tiene su origen en la Iglesia de Oriente. A diferencia de Europa, el 6 de
enero tanto en Egipto como en Arabia se celebraba el solsticio, festejando al sol victorioso con
evocaciones míticas antiquísimas. Epifanio nos dice que los paganos celebraban el solsticio
invernal y el aumento de la luz a los trece días de haberse dado este cambio; nos dice tambien
que los paganos hacían una fiesta significativa y suntuosa en el templo de Core. Cosme de
Jerusalen cuenta que los paganos celebraban una fiesta mucho antes que los cristianos con
ritos nocturnos en los que gritaban: "la Virgen ha dado a luz, la luz crece".
Entre los anos 120 y 140 AD los gnosticos buscaron cristianizar estos festejos celebrando el
bautismo de Jesus. Siguiendo la creencia gnostica, los cristianos de Basílides celebraban la
Encarnacion del Verbo en la humanidad de Jesus cuando fue bautizado. Epifanio trata de darles
un sentido cristiano al decir que Cristo demuestra así ser la verdadera luz y los cristianos
celebran su nacimiento.
Hasta el siglo IV la Iglesia comenzo a celebrar el 6 de enero la Epifanía del Senor. Al igual que la
fiesta de Navidad en occidente, la Epifanía nace contemporaneamente en Oriente como
respuesta de la Iglesia a la celebracion solar pagana que tratan de sustituir. Así se explica que la
Epifanía se llama en oriente: Hagia phota, es decir, la santa luz.
Esta fiesta nacida en Oriente ya se celebraba en la Galia a mediados del s IV donde se
encuentran vestigios de haber sido una gran fiesta para el ano 361 AD. La celebracion de esta
fiesta es ligeramente posterior a la de Navidad.
Mientras en Oriente la Epifanía es la fiesta de la Encarnacion, en Occidente se celebra con esta
fiesta la revelacion de Jesus al mundo pagano, la verdadera Epifanía. La celebracion gira en
torno a la adoracion que le tributan al Nino Jesus los tres Reyes Magos, como símbolo del
reconocimiento del mundo pagano de que Cristo es el salvador de toda la humanidad.
Basados en la tradicion de la Iglesia del siglo I, estos magos se conocen como hombres
poderosos y sabios, posiblemente reyes de naciones al oriente del Mediterraneo, hombres que
por su cultura y espiritualidad se esforzaban por mantenerse en comunion con Dios. Del pasaje
bíblico sabemos que son magos, que vinieron de Oriente y que como regalo trajeron incienso,
oro y mirra; de la tradicion de los primeros siglos se nos dice que fueron tres reyes sabios:
Melchor, Gaspar y Baltazar. Hasta el ano de 474 AD sus restos estuvieron en Constantinopla, la
capital cristiana mas importante en Oriente; luego fueron trasladados a la catedral de Milan
(Italia) y en 1164 fueron trasladados a la ciudad de Colonia (Alemania), donde permanecen
hasta nuestros días.Nuestra Fé con Padre Marco. . .2
El 6 de enero, la celebracion del día de los Reyes Magos es sin duda una de las mas importantes
en Mexico. En muchos estados de la republica puede ser hasta mas grande que navidad y por lo
mismo existen muchas tradiciones que todos conocemos: los ninos les piden regalos a los reyes,
se hacen desfiles en la ciudad, se come la tradicional rosca (normalmente con chocolate
caliente), entre otros. Lo que no muchos saben, es que, aunque no tan grande como en Mexico,
en Alemania tambien se celebra el día de reyes, para empezar, es día festivo oficial en este país.
Del 27 de diciembre al 06 de enero los cantores de la estrella bendicen las casas de las personas
a quienes visitan. A cambio de esto, ellos reciben dinero, el cual utilizan para hacer obras de
caridad, especialmente para otros ninos.
Para que los ninos no molesten dos veces en la misma casa, los ninos escriben con gis la
leyenda: “20 * C + M + B + 17” que son las iniciales de Christus Mansionem Benedicat, mas el
ano en curso. Veras que tambien se utiliza una estrella por la de Belen y tres cruces por el
Padre, el Hijo y el Espíritu Santo.
Los ninos cantores pertenecen a la organizacion catolica mas grande del mundo, “Accion de los
Tres Reyes Magos”, cuya mision es apoyar distintos proyectos de caridad. Ademas, tambien se
puede encontrar un pan similar a la rosca llamado Dreikonigskuchen o “Pan de los Tres Reyes”
es un pan tradicional del 6 de enero, sobre todo popular en Suiza y en las regiones del sur cerca
de este país. Al igual que en Mexico se usa la “Rosca de Reyes”,tiene una forma de corona y esta
hecho a base de frutos secos, almendras y pasas, que representan las joyas de la corona. La
partida de la rosca de reyes se hace en una reunion familiar, en el trabajo, en la escuela y/o con
amigos. El momento mas relevante de la reunion, es cuando se espera el momento en que se
descubra quien sera el anfitrion el día de la Candelaria, el encontrar un nino de plastico dentro
de la Rosca de Reyes” Esta Fiesta se lleva a cabo el día de la Candelaria, o 2 de Febrero, y cuando
se levanta al Nino Dios y se bendicen las velas.You can also read
