All of life is an epiphany - a revelation. Your very life is a gift from God, and none of us caused ourselves to come into being. When we embrace our role in God’s divine story and don’t fight against it, then we can see that everything - our lives and abilities, our world, our relationships - are a gift from Him. Give yourself away for God’s purposes. If it helps, put a sticky note on your bathroom mirror which says, "Life is not about you. It’s about God." Then, see what happens.

Readings at this Mass: Is 60:1–6 | Eph 3:2–3a, 5–6 | Mt 2:1–12

We honor Mary because she was given the gift to be the mother of Jesus - and he was the Son of God. It is right that we call Mary "the Mother of God", and we honor Jesus when we honor her. We don't confuse the honor we give her with the worship give to her Son. If we love Jesus, then we should honor all whom He loves. That includes Mary, his mother - the Mother of God.

We can make our home like the Father’s house if we make prayer the center in our home and family life. This week, formulate a plan to set aside some time nightly for prayer together, offering thanks and praises to God, asking for the strength to overcome whichever crisis comes your way and affects your family. Then put this praying plan into action, and discover the peace and grace that follows from uniting as a family unit in God.

Readings at this Mass: Sir 3:2–6, 12–14 | Col 3:12–21 | Lk 2:41–52