Solemnity of the Epiphany of Our Lord Jan. 4, 2009 (Mt 2:1-12)
When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, 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."
When King Herod heard this, he was greatly troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They said to him, "In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it has been written through the prophet: 'And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; since from you shall come a ruler, who is to shepherd my people Israel.' "
Then Herod called the magi secretly and ascertained from them the time of the star's appearance. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and search diligently for the child. When you have found him, bring me word, that I too may go and do 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 saw the child with Mary his mother.
They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way.
Today, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Epiphany of Our Lord. We celebrate the day of Jesus' manifestation to the Gentiles, represented by the magi. It has been customary to call these magi the "three kings". Nevertheless, Scripture does not speak of kings or of them being three. The Bible tells us that magi from the east came looking for the newborn king of Israel.
The magi's audience with King Herod must have been a slap in the face for the Israelites and their religious leaders. How could it be that something as awesome as the birth of the Christ was unbeknown to them while these visiting magi who are not from Yahweh's people were, in one way or another, aware of it? This could be why, aside from King Herod who was troubled because of the political threat the news of Jesus' birth brings, Jerusalem was also troubled.
After they obtained information from the prophecies about the Christ, the pagan visitors went their way to continue searching for the child. And, as Yahweh once guided the Israelites through a cloud and a pillar of fire, the star which they saw at its rising guided them towards the house where the baby Jesus was. It is the will of God for these Gentiles to witness His works by seeing the salvation He has planned. Even as early as when Jesus was still a child, it has already been revealed through this epiphany that Jesus is the Savior of the entire human race.
Jesus is the gift of God for all peoples. Whoever you may be, Jesus was born to save you, as He was born to save the person you hate the most, your non-Catholic friend, or even your friendly neighborhood atheist. Yes, Jesus was born to save them too. His redemptive act is for all, because all are in need of redemption. Of course, this doesn't mean that all will be saved; salvation requires our participation. Nevertheless, salvation is offered to all.
We are often quick to judge and condemn people. We look with discrimination upon people whom the Church considers lost - the non-Catholics, the people whose sins are a scandal for the public, and those who are quite indifferent of the faith. But we have to remember that Jesus was born to save them too. Instead of avoiding them or even bringing them down, we should be the star to guide them in their journey towards Jesus. And, on finding Him, they will be converted, just like the magi. This conversion will be followed by an offering of their whole selves to Jesus. Wouldn't it be nice to know that we have brought these people closer to Jesus?
The Church in this modern world calls for dialogue and ecumenism. We, as Christians who have seen the Lord Jesus, ought to be the star above Jesus' house who will guide today's "magi" who are lost and might still be looking for Him. That is what being witnesses of Christ means. And with billions of Catholics and Christians witnessing to Him all over the world, there should be countless stars above Jesus' house by now. And what a lovely sight that is!
The magi's audience with King Herod must have been a slap in the face for the Israelites and their religious leaders. How could it be that something as awesome as the birth of the Christ was unbeknown to them while these visiting magi who are not from Yahweh's people were, in one way or another, aware of it? This could be why, aside from King Herod who was troubled because of the political threat the news of Jesus' birth brings, Jerusalem was also troubled.
After they obtained information from the prophecies about the Christ, the pagan visitors went their way to continue searching for the child. And, as Yahweh once guided the Israelites through a cloud and a pillar of fire, the star which they saw at its rising guided them towards the house where the baby Jesus was. It is the will of God for these Gentiles to witness His works by seeing the salvation He has planned. Even as early as when Jesus was still a child, it has already been revealed through this epiphany that Jesus is the Savior of the entire human race.
Jesus is the gift of God for all peoples. Whoever you may be, Jesus was born to save you, as He was born to save the person you hate the most, your non-Catholic friend, or even your friendly neighborhood atheist. Yes, Jesus was born to save them too. His redemptive act is for all, because all are in need of redemption. Of course, this doesn't mean that all will be saved; salvation requires our participation. Nevertheless, salvation is offered to all.
We are often quick to judge and condemn people. We look with discrimination upon people whom the Church considers lost - the non-Catholics, the people whose sins are a scandal for the public, and those who are quite indifferent of the faith. But we have to remember that Jesus was born to save them too. Instead of avoiding them or even bringing them down, we should be the star to guide them in their journey towards Jesus. And, on finding Him, they will be converted, just like the magi. This conversion will be followed by an offering of their whole selves to Jesus. Wouldn't it be nice to know that we have brought these people closer to Jesus?
The Church in this modern world calls for dialogue and ecumenism. We, as Christians who have seen the Lord Jesus, ought to be the star above Jesus' house who will guide today's "magi" who are lost and might still be looking for Him. That is what being witnesses of Christ means. And with billions of Catholics and Christians witnessing to Him all over the world, there should be countless stars above Jesus' house by now. And what a lovely sight that is!
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