Word to the Wise
Sunday, January 8, 2017 - 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]SUNDAY, JANUARY 8, 2017 THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD [Isaiah 60:1-6; Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6; Matthew 2:1-12] "Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to pay him homage......After their audience with the king they set out. And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they SW the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage." [Matthew] The Magi may seem exotic to us. They are presented in MIddle Eastern garb with their camels and gifts. But they are part of the essential message of the story. They come from afar and have interpreted the stars. The Lord is revealed to ALL nations. There is much that can be said about them and their gifts that is interesting but the universal character of their mission is crucial. When they reveal their mission to Herod, he immediately tries to prevent the "newborn King of the Jews" from ever becoming a threat. Nothing has changed since then. When Jesus was put to death, Pilate put an inscription over Jesus' head, meant to be sarcastic, describing him as "King of the Jews." Jesus' mission was far greater and would threaten the very empire that Pilate represented. What I find significant for all of us is that star. It is an invitation to search for something far greater than oneself and, indeed, make great efforts to find that something or someone. This is where we come in. In hearing the stories of individuals who enter the Catholic faith, I often hear that it is because of the faith of particular Catholics that an individual is drawn to the church. There are "seekers" all around us. Can they see "the star of faith" that could draw them to search for Jesus and bring their own gifts? The word "Epiphany" means to reveal or shine out. Can we be an"epiphany" for the "seekers" around us? It is a continuing opportunity to be a true "star." AMEN
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