An Epiphany Novena for the Discerning Heart

Day Eight

Receiving the Light That Is Given

Scripture

“And the light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness has not overcome it.”
John 1:5

Reflection

Epiphany shows us that God does not hide Himself. He gives light freely. Christ is made known in the world, not cautiously or selectively, but generously.

Yet Epiphany also reveals something sobering. The same light that draws some hearts leaves others unchanged. God gives Himself fully, but He does not force the...

An Epiphany Novena for the Discerning Heart

Day Seven

When the Light Confronts the World

Scripture

“Herod was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.”
Matthew 2:3

Reflection

Epiphany reveals Christ as Light for the world. Yet the Gospel shows that this Light does not bring peace to every place it enters.

When news of the Child reaches Jerusalem, the city is disturbed. Herod hears that a king has been born. Herod seeks the Child, but his seeking is driven by fear and the...

An Epiphany Novena for the Discerning Heart

Day Six

Allowing Christ to Reorder My Way

Scripture

“And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod,
they departed for their country by another way.”
Matthew 2:12

Reflection

After their encounter with Christ, the Magi do not simply return to their former path. Scripture tells us that they leave by another way. This detail is not incidental. It reveals what happens when Christ is truly received.

The Magi are not given a speech or inst...

An Epiphany Novena for the Discerning Heart

Day Five

Receiving My Identity from the Father

Scripture

“This is my beloved Son,
with whom I am well pleased.”
Matthew 3:17

Reflection

Epiphany continues beyond Bethlehem. The child who was revealed to the nations now steps into public life. At the Jordan River, Christ stands among the people who have come seeking repentance and renewal.

Jesus does not enter the water because He needs purification. He enters freely, choosing to stand with those He has come to s...

An Epiphany Novena for the Discerning Heart

Day Four

Placing My Life Before Christ

Scripture

“They offered him gifts of gold,
frankincense, and myrrh.”
Matthew 2:11

Reflection

After the Magi kneel before the child, the Gospel tells us that they open what they have brought and place it before Him. Their response to Christ is not only interior. It becomes an offering.

Gold, frankincense, and myrrh are not casual gifts. They are costly and intentional. They represent what the Magi considered valuable and worth prot...

An Epiphany Novena for the Discerning Heart

Day Three

A Willing Heart Before Christ

Scripture

“When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled,
and all Jerusalem with him.”
Matthew 2:3

Reflection

As Epiphany continues, the Gospel shows that people respond to Christ in different ways. The Magi hear of His birth and rejoice. Others hear the same news and are unsettled. Some are disturbed. Some remain closed.

Herod feels threatened. Jerusalem is troubled. The chief priests and scribes know the Scri...

The Feast of the Holy Family – A Christmas Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart

As you begin, take a deep breath and exhale slowly.  For at least the next few moments, surrender all the cares and concerns of this day to the Lord.

Say slowly from your heart “Jesus, I Trust In You…You Take Over”

Become aware that He is with you, looking upon you with love, wanting to be heard deep within in your heart…

From the Holy Gospel of St. Matthew 2:13-15,19-23

After the wise me...

An Epiphany Novena for the Discerning Heart

Day Two

Receiving Christ in His Humility

Scripture

“When they saw the child with Mary his mother,
they fell down and worshiped him.”
Matthew 2:11

Reflection

Epiphany now shows us not only that Christ is revealed, but how He chooses to be revealed. The Magi have followed the light given to them, and their journey leads them to Bethlehem.

They do not find a palace or a throne. They find a child with His moth...

An Epiphany Novena for the Discerning Heart

Day One

Receive the Light of Christ

Scripture

“Arise, shine; for your light has come,
and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.”
Isaiah 60:1

Reflection

Epiphany comes from the Greek word meaning manifestation or appearing. It proclaims the making known of who Jesus Christ is for the salvation of the world.

From the beginning, Christ is known within Israel by those who receive God’s revelation. Mary receives the word o...

Day 9 – Life Eternal

O Lord, infant Jesus, bring us to live eternal with You! Jesus, your nativity was not without purpose. Your purpose was to bring us to You. We pray that you will bring us to Life Eternal with you this Christmas.

Divine Infant,
after the wonders of Your birth in Bethlehem,
You wished to extend Your infinite mercy to the whole world
by calling the Wise Men by heavenly inspiration to Your crib,
which was in this way changed into a royal throne.
You graciously re...

A Christmas Novena – Day 9 – Life Eternal

O Lord, infant Jesus, bring us to live eternal with You! Jesus, your nativity was not without purpose. Your purpose was to bring us to You. We pray that you will bring us to Life Eternal with you this Christmas.

Divine Infant,
after the wonders of Your birth in Bethlehem,
You wished to extend Your infinite mercy to the whole world
by calling the Wise Men by heavenly inspiration to Your crib,
which was in this way changed into a royal thro...