Bible Study
Bible Study
Matt Zemanek
Fr. Geoffrey Plant
Fr. Bryan Kulawa
Bible Study
Introductions
Fr. Bryan Kujawa
Each week Fr. Bryan posts three videos. You can switch between them by clicking on the icon in the upper right hand corner once video starts playing.
SOURCE: Fr. Bryan Kujawa’s Archives
Kay Murdy
Kay Murdy
Together with God’s Word
KEY VERSE: “We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage” (Matthew 2:2).
TO KNOW: READ MORE
TO LOVE: What are the gifts that I can offer the Lord?
TO SERVE: Lord Jesus, help me to seek you in all I do.
SOURCE: Commentaries on the Gospel
Word
Sunday
Word-Sunday
by Larry Broding
1st Reading: The Rising Light
2nd Reading: Evangelization as a Vehicle for Grace
Gospel: Seek the Lord
Gospel
Key Points
Explanation
Illustration
Application
The Nativity Story and Its Powerful Message for Us Today
Main Point 1: The Magi’s Faith and Persistence
Explanation: The Magi, or wise men, were Gentiles who did not belong to the Jewish faith, yet they were led by a star to seek and worship the newborn King of the Jews. Despite facing obstacles and being questioned by King Herod, they persisted in their journey to find Jesus. Their faith in the star and in the prophecies led them to the feet of the Savior.
Illustration: Imagine being in a foreign land and having just a star as your guide to find someone. The Magi’s journey was not easy, yet they kept their faith and continued on until they found Jesus.
Application: When we face difficulties and obstacles in our journey of faith, let us remember the Magi’s perseverance and faith. We may not always have clear signs and guidance like a star, but we can rely on God’s promises and trust that He is leading us to salvation.
Main Point 2: The Magi’s Worship and Sacrifice
Explanation: Upon finding Jesus, the Magi prostrated themselves and offered precious gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These wise men knew the true value of Jesus and were willing to give up their treasures as an act of worship and sacrifice.
Illustration: Imagine giving away valuable possessions to someone you have never met, based on faith alone. The Magi’s actions display their deep reverence, love, and trust in God.
Application: As we reflect on the Magi’s worship and sacrifice, let us examine our own hearts. Are we willing to give up anything for the sake of Jesus? Are we truly worshipping and honoring Him in our lives?
Main Point 3: The Magi’s Obedience and Protection
Explanation: In a dream, the Magi were warned not to return to King Herod and they obediently followed the instructions. This act of obedience not only protected them from Herod’s wrath but also fulfilled the prophecy of Jesus being taken to Egypt.
Illustration: The Magi could have ignored the dream and gone back to Herod, but they chose to obey God instead. This decision not only saved them from harm but also fulfilled God’s plan.
Application: In our daily lives, we may also receive guidance or warnings from God, but it is important to obey and trust in His perfect plan. This may lead us to unexpected places, but ultimately, it will bring us closer to Him and fulfill His purpose for us.
Reference: NABRE (New American Bible, Revised Edition) Bible, USCCB (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops)
Bulletin
Study Guide
Questions for
Small Groups
Discussion Questions
Vince Contreras
FIRST READING
1. The reading contains a prophecy which is directed to the Jews returning from Exile, but it is not primarily about them. Who does it describe and what will be their experience? What will Israel’s response to this be? What should our response be to seeing people who were formerly “outsiders” entering the Church?
SECOND READING
2. What is the “great mystery” of which St. Paul speaks of in verse 3? Why is this significant for the Church of his time? Of our time?
GOSPEL
3. Why was it important for Jesus to be born in the city of David, Bethlehem, a name which means “house of bread” (verses 4-6; Micah 5:1-3; 2 Samuel 5:2)?
4. What do the star, the Magi, the gifts, the homage, the hostility and the prophecy teach about the significance of Jesus?
5. Since the Magi were pagan astrologers, why would they leave everything to follow that star? In your journey toward God, how are you like the Magi? Unlike them? Have you had to leave anything to follow Jesus?
6. Note the responses of the Magi upon finding Jesus. How are they similar to the response that Christians make to Jesus, including before the Blessed Sacrament?
7. What is the “gold, frankincense, and myrrh” in your life? How have you offered this to Jesus?
SOURCE: SundayScriptureStudy.com / used with permission
Anne Osdieck
FIRST READING
1. Though darkness covered the earth, light and glory had come to Jerusalem. Are you aware of God’s light and glory? What about God’s actions in your life?
SECOND READING
2. Paul says that a revelation was given him by the Spirit. It said that Christ’s life was too great to be limited to its starting place. His life was for all generations and not only the Jews but the Gentiles as well. All are “coheirs, members of the same body.” Did the star’s light shine on each and every person, precious and irreplaceable in God’s eyes? Do we all need each other?
GOSPEL
3. What is the main contrast between Jerusalem and Bethlehem? Between Herod and the Magi. What does this tell you about places and people God chooses? At the end of this story Joseph, Mary and Jesus ended up running from Herod. Do we find “Herods” in the world today? Who are the “Joseph’s, Mary’s and Jesus’” running from today?
SOURCE: Sunday Web Site at Saint Louis University
Fr. Clement
Thibodeau
GOSPEL
How many people do you know who have traveled to distant places in search of special religious experiences? Have you ever been to St. Anne de Beaupre? To Cap de Madeleine, to St. Joseph’s Oratory in Canada? To Guadalupe in Mexico? To Lourdes in France? To Fatima in Portugal? To Jerusalem, Bethlehem or to Nazareth? To LaSallette in France? To Garabandal in Spain? To Our Lady of Knock in Ireland? To Our Lady of Walshingham in England? To Bosnia-Herzegovina? Why do people do that?
Discuss the journey of the Magi in terms of your own life journey. Have you been willing to search for a deeper fulfillment of your religious longings and spiritual needs? What have you had to do to find fulfillment? Have you had to undertake an inner journey of conversion and personal change? What difficulties have you encountered? Have you met opposition on the way? Has anyone or anything tried to thwart your intentions or to block your progress? Have you had to “go home by another route?”
Discuss the journey that the Church is on in pursuit of the kingdom of God. What “star” is the Church following through the winding roads of this world? What are the powers in the world today trying to divert the Church from its purposes? What falsehoods are being told the Christian community in an effort to lead it into other paths? Who is there to keep it going on a true course?
Christian Action
Most Catholics in the world practice gift-giving at Epiphany rather than at Christmas. It is appropriate to give a gift, especially to someone we do not know, at Epiphany.
SOURCE: Portland Diocese
Fr. Eamon Tobin
GOSPEL
1. The Magi symbolize our search for God and meaning in life. What gives meaning to your life? Has some recent discovery or new passion brought new meaning and depth to your life?
2. In the Epiphany, Jesus is manifested to the Magi and Gentile world. Can you name a recent epiphany experience in your life, a recent discovery?
3. Name one thing today’s Gospel says to us that we disciples of Jesus need to heed and act on.
SOURCE: Ascension Catholic Parish, Melbourne, FL
Word of
The Week
Epiphany of the Lord ABC
SOURCE: Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University, Copyright © 2023 www.scu.edu/character