There is a famous Christmas Carol in Colombia, and probably in other countries of Latin America, called Tutaina. If you wonder what Tutaina is, let me tell you that I wonder the same thing. I have been asking almost all my life the meaning of this song. I was checking on the internet, and apparently the meaning of this word is fiesta (party). One of the verses of this Christmas Carol says, Tres reyes vienen también, con incienso, mirra y oro, a ofrendar a Dios su bien, como el más grande tesoro (Three kings also come, with frankincense, myrrh, and gold, to offer their goods to God, like the greatest treasure). God is the greatest treasure of the three kings.
The three kings understood that their offerings of frankincense, myrrh, and gold are meaningless in comparison to Jesus Christ who is the great gift that God, our Father, gave us through the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar traveled from the East, following the star, and finding a baby laying in a manger. They offered their gifts to this baby, understanding that He is the king of kings. Today, we celebrate Christmas and this feast of the Epiphany of the Lord recognizing that the baby who was born in a manger in Bethlehem is our Lord, and He is bringing peace on Earth.
This weekend in Mass, we pray in the preface of the Epiphany of the Lord, “For today you have revealed the mystery of our salvation in Christ as a light for the nations, and, when He appeared in our mortal nature, you made us new by the glory of His immortal nature.” Tutaina, and therefore, the epiphany, invites us to rejoice in the Lord. This is a feast that invites us to celebrate with love that Jesus not only came to rescue the people of Israel, but the whole humanity. Therefore, let us allow that this great mystery of the salvation of humankind in the person of Christ comes to our hearts. Let us adore the king of kings not only with frankincense, myrrh, and gold, but also with our hearts and lives. Let us allow that this baby, who was found through a star by the three wise men, reigns in our hearts. Let us keep the spirit of Christmas always among us.
Let us pray:
O God, who by the guidance of a star did on this day manifest Your only-begotten Son to the Gentiles, mercifully grant that we who know You by faith may also attain the vision of Your glorious majesty. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Remember, The parish that we dream is the parish that I help to build.
God bless you and may the Blessed Virgin Mary be with you always!
Father Jorge Ramirez
