#MyMassTakeaway: First Encounters

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#MyMassTakeaway: First Encounters. . "They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh." . These… pagans. They had nothing but their pagan prophesies. They didn't have God's longstanding guidance and favor. They weren't His Chosen People. But when they encountered Jesus for the first time, they GOT IT. . The scribes and the pharisees in today's readings, they were pretty indifferent to the arrival of their King and Savior. They didn't go out of their way to seek Him. And King Herod, he tried to kill the new King. . But the Magi, when they came face-to-face with Jesus for the first time, they prostrated themselves. They laid themselves down, symbolizing the giving of their entire selves in service of the King. They made the greatest gesture of honor and worship. They did Him homage. They gave Him gifts. And not just clearance gifts (those are the kind I usually give). But the most expensive and meaningful gifts. . Just imagine what thoughts and emotions were filling their hearts, as they met the infant Jesus, and greeted Him in this way. They got it. They really understood who He was. Who He is. . Do you remember your first encounter with Jesus? Whether it was your First Holy Communion, your Baptism, the first time you prayed – really prayed, or the first time you experienced His presence and grace in a significant way. Take time today to relive the memory of coming face-to-face with your Savior for the first time. . And re-enter into that joy. That fulfillment. That sense of awe and wonder. Bring it back into your life. Remember that every time we receive Holy Communion, it's a very real encounter with Jesus. Remember to renew your gift of self to Him, to fall down and worship Him with all your heart. . Give Him everything, like the Magi did.

A post shared by Sara Estabrooks (@tojesussincerely) on Jan 7, 2018 at 10:15am PST

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“The story of the Wise Men is more than just a story; it is a call to action.” So began our chaplain’s homily today – reminding us that not only are the 3 Kings part of Jesus’ story, but they also pave the way as inspiration for our own journey to Jesus. . . . The relics of the Wise Men are located in the Cathedral of Cologne, Germany. Before today, I had never given much thought into remains (or relics) of those who had actually spent time with Jesus – let alone the teeny, tiny Baby Jesus. . . . Expecting this third baby, I am left wondering about the visit of the three Wise Men. They knew the enormity if their visit to the tiny baby boy in the stable. His parents would have understood the enormity of the visit. But, the tiny baby? He wouldn’t have had any clue about what was going on around Him. And, did the Wise Men know just how poignant that trip would be for them – and, how they would always be remembered and celebrated for their offerings. . . . Gold for the King; Frankincense to honor His Divinity; Myrrh to recognize His redemptive suffering which was to come for all of us. Thoughtful, powerful, meaningful gifts. . . . What meaningful, thoughtful gift will you gift our Lord this year? 20+G+M+B+18 . . . #mymasstakeaway w/ @tojesussincerely #mysundaybest w/ @rosiehill425 #catholicblogger #inspiration #catholicinspiration #catholicsofinstagram #proudcatholic #catholicmom #catholicwife #babyitscoldoutside #wantingwarmweather #christianblogger #saints #feastofepiphany #epiphany #epiphany2018

A post shared by Anni Harry (@beautifulcamouflagedmess) on Jan 7, 2018 at 9:38am PST

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Blessed our house today 🙂 In Mass, we heard about two different kingdoms: Herod's and Christ's. Herod was a tyrant. He would kill to keep his power in his kingdom. Jesus was humble. He died for the sake of his kingdom. Herod's kingdom was temporary. Christ's kingdom is eternal. In our lives, there are also two kingdoms. There is Christ's kingdom and the kingdom in which we make of ourselves queens or kings. We are called to be in Christ's kingdom. #MyMassTakeaway with @tojesussincerely #Ephiphany #catholichousehold #domesticchurch #ChristsKingdom

A post shared by Kate Hendrick (@stumblingtowardsainthood) on Jan 7, 2018 at 10:01am PST

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#mymasstakeaway today – We were all given the beautiful gift of faith through baptism, no matter who we are, or how educated we might be. Our first priority should always be worship and adoration. One small thing we can do is to pray for those who have no one else to pray for them. #day7 #epiphanyofthelord #pomietto365 #bissisterhood @blessedisshe__ @everysacredsunday

A post shared by Courtney Pomietto (@cpomietto) on Jan 7, 2018 at 10:16am PST

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#MyMasstakeaway #WhereisGod The Deacon who gave the homily told us a joke our Pastor had in the bulletin the week before. A troublesome little boy was being asked by a Minister over and over again, "Where is God?". The little boy didn't answer, and the third time he was asked he ran home to his brother and said, "We're really in trouble now! They can't find God and they think we have some to do with it! " It got my attention and made total sense for today. The Wise Men went to Herod and asked where Our Lord was …they didn't find him in an earthly King's home. Where is God? He's found when we listen to His Word. He's found in acts of love and works of Mercy. He is found when we serve Him. #truejoy #loveandserve

A post shared by Amy@ PrayerWineChocolate (@prayerwinechocolate) on Jan 7, 2018 at 11:02am PST

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Happy Feast of the Epiphany!! My little kings snagged these costumes at our family Christmas party and are making great use of them. 😍I'm joining up with @tojesussincerely to give you #mymasstakeaway Today the priest shared with us how Christ came to unify. He reminded us that so many of us feel alienated and lonely. We seek to belong… we seek to feel a part of something… we journey through this life to seek… the Christ child. ❤️ Often we don't know what we are missing but our soul does. God came for EVERY human heart. He desires us. ❤️As we celebrate this feast, my prayer is that we have our own " Epiphany" of how God chooses to use us in 2018 to bring this little baby to all those who need Him. May we draw others closer to the heart of Christ.

A post shared by TAMMI*MCCARTHY (@chasingtimeanddrinkingwine) on Jan 7, 2018 at 2:31pm PST