Epiphany

Matthew 2:1-12. In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit . Amen.

This Sundays gospel is about the Magi's journey to worship the newborn King born in Bethlehem of Judea . Isaiah had foretold that "all the ends of the earth will behold the salvation of our God." and "To those who did accept Him, He gave power to become children of God." And now, on the Epiphany, the light from the skies is intensified a hundred, even a thousandfold, and the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled that "nations shall walk by your light, and kings by your shining radiance."

To the amazement of all in that region, there came foreign camels bearing foreign scholars - wise men - kings! Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar, with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh! What courage and perseverance those strangers showed, to brave the dangers of travel, skepticism, and political intrigue. But they found what they were looking for. That star gave trustworthy guidance and now triumphantly shone as guard over the lowly dwelling wherein rested the child who possessed all meaning. They fell to their knees in homage, for their learning had made them humble, and their wisdom led them to recognize the Divine in the fragile flesh of a child.

What a silent Adoration! What loving glances they exchanged with Mary and Joseph!

But for all their simple faith, their wisdom was sharp enough to detect the sham delight and murderous intentions of the wily Herod. And so they paid their respects, left their gifts, and modestly departed for their homeland, sorrowfully aware of the terrible price justice must pay for Peace.

Their role in history has been accomplished - to teach us all to follow the guidance of the Almighty, to accept our own role as Bearers of the Light, and to follow this Christ into His Mission, to partake of His Passion, and to join the millions through the ages who will preach His Gospel of universal salvation.

The Son of God is the one Judge and Arbiter of Truth and the one Source of Light, but we are all called to be "epiphanies," providing glimpses of that Truth, showing the way in our own small spots of time and circumstance to a larger plan and destiny.

O Princely Child, make of us all wise men, courageous women, obedient children who will follow wherever You lead us. May we be faithful to prayer, diligently reading articles and booklets about our faith, sharing what we learn with others, taking part when possible in prayer and study groups. This is the way for us to be light-bearers, lighting up the darkness and the confusion in the world in which we live. 

from the Journey website daily-meditations ~ Msgr. Paul Whitmore