The message: The Epiphany is God’s manifestation of Himself to people. This is done through the exaltation of God’s Word—the foundation on which He erects His kingdom, and through which He gives commandments and rules, directing men to do His will here below as is in heaven (Mt 6:10). The Lord, in
truth, comes and reveals Himself, to which the apostle John testified: « And the Word became flesh and lived among us […] » Jn 1:14a. The Word of God is a gift of most precious value, because it, and it alone, created and continues to give life to the universe (Jn 1:3-4). Thus, Jesus said: « It is the spirit that gives life;
the flesh is useless. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life » Jn 6:63. Those who believe in the Word of God receive life from it, and of which is eternal life (Jn 5:24) because the Word of God lasts forever. For the apostle Peter declared: « You have been born anew, not of perishable but of imperishable
seed, through the living and enduring word of God. For ‘All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, but the word of the Lord endures forever’ (Isa 40.6-8) » 1 Pet 1:23-25a. Indeed, the kingdom of God is an unshakeable kingdom (Heb 12:28), and the Word of
God builds it up. For Jesus testifies: « Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away » Mt 24:35. Yes, the Word remains eternally because it is a characteristic of the Lord Himself, who revealed unto Moses: « I AM WHO I AM » Ex 3:14a. Blessed are those to whom He appears to and to whom He
reconciles with and raises up to inherit His kingdom (Mt 25:34). For its foundations are so deep that Jesus stated: « The kingdom of God is not coming with things that can be observed, nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There it is!’ For, in fact, the kingdom of God is among you » Lk 17:20-21. The psalmist also
said: « I treasure your word in my heart, so that I may not sin against you » Ps 119:11. Persevere, therefore, and « let the word of Christ dwell in you richly […] in all wisdom » Col 3:16a.
Monday, 02nd: The Word of God is exalted.
« For out of Zion shall go forth instruction and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem » Isa 2:3b.
Reading 1: Rev 19:11-16. Reading 2: Isa 2:1-5. Preaching 1 (free choice). Preaching 2: Isa 2:3.
Introduction: The exaltation of the Word of God primarily reflects the greatness of His glory present within and emited by it, but represents especially His victory over the power of His enemies (Eph 6:16-17). He exalts those who exalt Him; that is why the Lord says: « My righteous one will live by faith » Heb 10:38a, that is to say « shall overcome by faith ». For « the victory that conquers the world [is] our faith » 1 Jn 5:4b,namely the Word of God which we keep in our hearts and by which we live.
Tuesday, 03rd: Persevere in the Word of God.
« But as for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed […] » 2 Tim 3:14.
Reading 1: Jn 8:29-38. Reading 2: 2 Tim 3:14-16. Preaching 1 (free choice). Preaching 2: 2 Tim 3:14.
Introduction: The Word of God works within men in two main ways. Firstly, the Word of God brings them salvation by faith, according to the words of Jesus: « The one who believes and is baptized will be saved » Mar 16:16a. Secondly, by His Word, God perfects His people, in view of why Jesus prayed for His disciples, saying: « Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth » Jn 17:17. They are invited to remain steadfast, because « the one who endures to the end will be saved » Mt 24:13.
Wednesday, 04th: The Word of God, light for the nation.
« The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light » Mt 4:16a.
Reading 1: Ps 119:105-112. Reading 2: Mt 4:13-17. Preaching 1 (free choice). Preaching 2: Mt 4:16.
Introduction: The Lord said to His people: « Listen to me, my people, and give heed to me, my nation, for a teaching will go out from me and my justice for a light to the peoples » Isa 51:4. The light of the Word of God is its truth and holiness. Blessed is the nation that walks and acts according to the Word of God, for they will not stumble and will be able to proclaim, like the psalmist: « Your word is a lamp to my feet and a
light to my path » Ps 119:105.
Thursday, 05th: The preacher, bearer of light.
« Those who lead the many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever » Dan 12:3b.
Reading 1: Mt 5:10-16. Reading 2: Dan 12:1-3. Preaching 1 (free choice). Preaching 2: Dan 12:3.
Introduction: The preacher of God’s Word is enlightened by this even Word of God. The apostle Paul affirmed to the believers of Ephesus: « For once you were darkness, but now in the Lord you are light. Walk as children of light! » Eph 5:8. Thus, he was entrusted with the holy duty of leading the multitude to the Light and receiving the Word of God; indeed, « in him was life, and the life was the light of all people » Jn 1:4.
Friday, 06th: The Word of God is powerful.
« For no word from God will ever fail » Lk 1:37.
Reading 1: Isa 55:8-11. Reading 2: Lk 1:30-38. Preaching 1 (free choice). Preaching 2: Lk 1:37-38.
Introduction: The Word of God is alive and powerful, and so is not bound (2 Tim 2:9b) but instead frees from every bond—that is to say from the work of sin that is the sting of death (1 Cor 15:56) and from the devil, a murderer (Jn 8:44). And because « the Word was made flesh and […] dwelt among us » through Jesus Christ (Jn 1:14a), He said: « So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed » Jn 8:36.
Saturday, 07th: The Word of God remains forever.
« Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away » Mt 24:35.
Reading 1: Ps 119:89-96. Reading 2: Mt 24:23-35. Preaching 1 (free choice). Preaching 2: Mt 24:33-35.
Introduction: Nothing can destroy the Word of God. Indeed, just as it had the power to create and perpetuate the universe, it will also be able to destroy and renew it. Since the Word of God is the rock of faith, whoever keeps it will be preserved from corruption and death. Jesus declares: « Very truly, I tell you, anyone who hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and does not come under judgment but has passed from death to life » Jn 5:24.
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