Word to the Wise
Sunday, January 4, 2015 - The Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord - ABC [This feast was traditionally celebrated on Jan. 6; in the USA it is now on the Sunday after Jan. 1]
[Isa 60:1-6; Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6; Matt 2:1-12]"Where is the new-born king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage." [Matthew]
The "Star of Bethlehem" is truly one of the most prominent symbols of the Christmas/Epiphany celebration. But it is not Bethlehem that is symbolized, but rather an event of universal importance. A star pierces the darkness and draws us to its light. The Magi were not Jews. Their question upon arriving in Jerusalem makes that clear. They have come from far away to find something very powerful that has called to them. Herod, in his paranoia, simply sees this in political terms. The Magi were looking beyond such things.
"Epiphany" is a word that means to "shine forth." The shining is not for its own sake, but to shine "on" something or someone. In other words, there is a revelation to be made. The Magi were not sure what they would find but the star unquestionably offered them something beyond their experience and beliefs at the time. It is this power of faith that is within us all by virtue of being made in the image and likeness of God that enables us to recognize that star and to find the one for whom it shines.
One of the first persons I welcomed into the church when I was a newly ordained priest was a high school student. When I asked him why he wanted to become a Catholic, he said he was "reaching for the light." The Epiphany of the Lord has much charm about it in the mysterious figures of the Magi with their gifts. But ultimately it is the "reaching for the light" that makes us fellow travelers with them. That light of faith shines ON and FROM Jesus Christ, born in Bethlehem, but who has lived forever. AMEN
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