Word to the Wise
Monday, January 3, 2011 - The Epiphany of the Lord
[Isaiah 60:2-6; Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6; Matthew 2:1-12]When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea, in the days of King Herod, behold magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, "Where is the newborn King of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage."
A rising star, light, revelation, people from far away places......This is the feast of the Epiphany, a word that means to "shine out," or "manifest!" The revelation to Herod was quite a surprise! He was under the impression that HE was King of the Jews if anybody was, thanks to the Romans! The magi were simply responding to the intuitive revelation of that star, which Herod had not seen! Later on in the Gospel of Matthew, we will see again and again how faith may be present in the least expected persons and absent in the persons most expected to have it! The gospel for today makes that known in the person of the mysterious magi! (Have we already put them away till next year?)
Tradition eventually decided that there were only three. Tradition has also assigned names to them! The gospel simply presents them as people open to the revelation of God's plan in the birth of Jesus Christ. That openness would be dangerous to them and to many newborns because of Herod's jealous rage. This is Matthew's way of communicating that eventually Jesus and those who speak of him would be subject to persecution. There is more to revelation than sentimental figurines!
Today, our brothers and sisters of the Eastern rites of the church celebrate what we celebrated December 25th. They remind us that the season of celebration is not over. Faith is more than discarded wrapping paper and dried-out trees on the curb, and long gift return lines at the stores! Look for the star of revelation in your hearts and come bearing your own gifts! AMEN
config
view
logs
3840.0 KB
569 ms
4
