Star Gazing
The star led the magi to Jesus. Gaze into the heavens and ponder the vastness and beauty of the universe that God created.
Download a star gazing app (such as Sky View Lite or Star Chart) on each family member's smartphone. Go outside as a family at nightfall and use the app to explore the night sky. Find the brightest star in the sky and imagine what it was like for the magi to journey to find Jesus. Invite one family member to re-read the Gospel story as you gaze upon the star.
Our Vocation Journey
In today's Gospel, Jesus receives gifts from the magi. Each of us has received gifts and talents from God. Pray this prayer as a family to help you discern your gifts over this year and open your heart to God's plan for your life.
Jesus, as we begin this year, we open our hearts to you and place our lives before you. We are thankful for the many ways that you guide and take care of us. We are also grateful for the gifts and talents that you have bestowed upon us. As we progress through this year, help us to see more clearly the joyful plan you have for our lives and give us the desire to use our gifts and talents for your glory.
Amen.
The Magi came to honor Jesus. What are ways that we honor Jesus during Mass?
The letters in the house blessing stand for the Latin phrase Christus mansionem benenedicat, which means “May Christ bless the house.” It also is thought to be the initials of the Magi—Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar.
© Copyright 2026 Archdiocese of Detroit. All rights reserved. Excerpts from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition © 1970, 1986, 1997, 1998, 2001 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., Washington, D.C. All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.
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