Jan
3
Written by:
Fr. Gary Zerr
Sunday, January 03, 2010
Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh
Pastor’s Column
Epiphany, 2009
They prostrated themselves and did him homage.
Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of
gold, frankincense and myrrh.
Matthew 2:10
Most of us both gave and received gifts for Christmas. Some we liked; some we returned. Some fit; some didn’t, and all of this is part of the fun of Christmas. But did you give the Lord a gift for Christmas? What sorts of gifts are most pleasing to God? Have you ever asked yourself this question? In some countries, gifts are exchanged at Epiphany, so it’s not too late to offer a new gift to Jesus. But what do you give to the person who has everything?
The wise men knew what kinds of gifts Jesus wants! They gave him gold because he is a great king; frankincense because he was God; myrrh because he was destined to die for our sins. These prophetic and mystical gifts can help us in our own search for the right presents to give Jesus!
Gold. Each day, I will try to offer something precious to Jesus; a gift that costs me something, means something to me or is difficult to obtain. Just for today, I will hold my tongue when I am angry; I will practice patience in one situation when it is difficult and then offer it to the Lord as a gift! I will perform an act of kindness for someone who does not know I did it or why I did it.
Frankincense. Each day, I will make some time for prayer. There is nothing Jesus likes better than to hear you speaking to him, or to allow him to speak to you, especially in the Scriptures. He is waiting, just for you, to come and visit him in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel. I will try to pray as I go through my day by saying a few words to Jesus as I go about my business.
Myrrh. Jesus tells us that He who loses his life for my sake and that of the gospel will save it (Matthew 16:25). Whenever I make a small sacrifice for my family or for someone else, I have done this for Christ. When I turn away from sin, part of me has died for Christ. Every time I act selflessly, I die to myself. Christ is very pleased with gifts like these.
Father Gary