Gold and Frankincense
Posted on: January 6, 2014
- In: Everyday Life | Faith
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They shall bring gold and frankincense,
and shall proclaim the praise of the LORD.
~ Isaiah 60:6*
Yesterday we celebrated the feast of Epiphany. As the priest pointed out, we think of this as the time when the Wise Men—however many there were—followed the star to Judea and sought the king of the Jews. When they found Jesus in Bethlehem, “they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh” (Matthew 2:11).
As the priest also noted, these Wise Men came from the East. This “showing forth” of the Messiah wasn’t just for the Jews but for all peoples. And we are to show Jesus to others.
So how are we doing on that score? Is our faith made plain by the way we live? For example, could we be more forgiving and generous? Could we worry less, letting “the day’s own trouble be sufficient for the day” (Matthew 6:34), and trust God more? I know I could.
Do we invite others to come and see? Could we invite someone to a Catholic Women’s League or Knights of Columbus event or a Bible study? Could we encourage our teens to invite a friend to a youth group activity? I know I’d like my husband and I to have more friends who share our faith, and I’d like the same for my son.
And do we share our treasures? We may not have a lot of “gold” to offer, but do we offer the best of ourselves—our time and talents—in serving our family, our parish and our community? I’d like to find more ways to share in the life of my parish and this city—to let the things that touch my heart move me to act.
Early January feels like the right time to set in motion changes in our lives that we’d like to make this year. Beyond the usual resolutions to quit smoking, lose weight and get organized, we can resolve to show Jesus to others and share the gifts he has given us. To give others the opportunity to know about his love and receive his blessings.
For you bless the righteous, O LORD;
you cover him with favor as with a shield.
~ Psalm 5:12
(*Scripture quotes taken from the Holy Bible, Revised Standard Version, Second Catholic Edition.)
A Catholic Convert in Ottawa 