Last Day of Christmas Highlighted at STP - STP News - Santa Teresita Parish

Traditionally known as Feast of the Tree Kings on January 6, is now celebrated as the Solemnity of the Lord’s Epiphany every first Sunday of January.  This Feast is considered as the last day of Christmas.  The parish of Sta. Teresita (STP) highlighted this celebration during the 6:30 evening mass.  The youth of the parish dramatized the Gospel story that recalls the finding of the newly born “King of the Jews.”  Vested with the traditional costumes, the Three Kings (or the Three Wise Men) were called secretly by King Herod who was disturbed by the news of a new King.  They were directed to Bethlehem while guided by a bright star.  It brought them to the manger and saw the Child with Mary his Mother.

The three Magi portrayed by three youth prostrated and paid homage to the Child.  Then, they opened their treasures and offered him gold, frankincense, myrrh.  The youth did a good job as they acted out what was being proclaimed in the Gospel.  The homily was focused on the meaning and significance of the Feast.  The cast were called first and their role was briefly explained.  Then the three gifts offered by the Magi were elaborated.  Gold is a precious metal that indicates wealth and power acknowledging that Jesus is King.  Frankincense symbolizes Jesus’ divinity while myrrh points to Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice for humankind.

The homily was made interesting with the presence of the three Magi in front as role played by the youth.  They were holding their gifts while they are explained.  It was emphasized that the gifts conveys something about the identity of the Baby born in the manger.  This is somehow became the origin of gift-giving on Christmas.  And to remind everyone that the spirit of the season must extend throughout the year the three Magi distributed candies to the children present at the end of the mass.  As Christmas ends people were told that it should not just be business as usual but rather  something should change in us because we met Jesus.

-Fr. Richard Magararu, SMM

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