Homilies | Father Nathan

Father Nathan | Homily

Epiphany of the Lord

Introduction:

Todays gospel we hear again the story pf the wise men who, guided by the light of a star, came to Bethlehem to honor the Christ-child.

We too are on a journey, a journey to that heavenly Bethlehem where we hope to meet the Lord face to face.

We are guided, not by the light of a star, but by the light of faith. Let us ask the Lord to strengthen our faith.

The Greek word Epiphany (επιφάνεια), means appearance or manifestation. Multiple revelations of Jesus as God are celebrated in the Feast of the Epiphany. 

First, the angels revealed Jesus to the shepherds.  In the Western Church, the Feast of the Epiphany celebrates Jesus’ first appearance to the Gentiles, represented by the Magi, while in the Eastern Church, the feast is the commemoration of the Baptism of Christ where the Father and the Holy Spirit gave combined testimony to Jesus’ identity as Son of God.  

Later, in the synagogue at Nazareth, Jesus revealed himself as the promised Messiah, and at Cana Jesus revealed his Divinity by transforming water into wine.

Scripture lessons summarized:

In today’s first reading (Is 60:1-6), the prophet cheers the returned exiles with a vision of a restored city which will become a beacon of light for all the nations. He is prophesying that the nations of the world would travel to the Holy City following a brilliant light and would bring gold and incense to contribute to the worship of God.

Responsorial Psalm (Ps 72), includes a verse about kings coming from foreign lands to pay homage to a just king in Israel 

“Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.”

The second reading (Eph 3:2-3,5-6)

This reading expresses the theological meaning of today’s feast.

God invites both Jews and gentiles to share on equal footing the benefits of the salvation brought by Christ.  It expresses God’s secret plan in clear terms: the Gentiles are…copartners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the Gospel.

Today’s Gospel (Mt 2:1-12),

Teaches us how Christ enriches those who bring him their hearts.

The adoration of the Magi fulfills the oracle of Isaiah.

The Gospel reminds us that if God permitted the Magi – foreigners and pagans – to recognize and give Jesus proper respect as the King of Jews, we should know that there is nothing in our sinful lives that will keep God from bringing us to Jesus. 

There were three groups of people who reacted to the Epiphany of Christ’s birth. The first group, headed by King Herod the Great, tried to eliminate him, the second group, priests and scribes, ignored him, and the third group, represented by the shepherds and the Magi, came to adore him.

Life Messages:

There were three groups of people who reacted to the Epiphany of Christ’s birth. The first group, headed by King Herod the Great, tried to eliminate him.

The second group, priests and scribes, ignored him.

The third group, represented by the shepherds and the Magi, came to adore him.

1) Let us make sure that we belong to the third group:

By worshiping Jesus at Mass with the gold of our love, the myrrh of our humility and the frankincense of our adoration

By giving a new direction to our lives. As the Magi chose another route to return to their homes, we need to choose a better way of life, abstaining from proud and impure thoughts, evil habits and selfish behavior

By becoming stars leading others to Jesus as the star led the Magi to Jesus —  removing the darkness of the evil around us and radiating Jesus’ love through selfless service, unconditional forgiveness and compassionate care.

2) On this feast of the Epiphany, let us, like the Magi, offer Jesus our grateful use of his gifts to us:

His gift of friendship with God in the form of wholehearted love and devotion

His gift of friendship with others by leading them to Jesus through our exemplary lives of Christian charity in action

His gift of reconciliation with God by daily asking His pardon and forgiveness for our sins and giving unconditional forgiveness to our offenders

His gift of peace by  seeking God’s peace in our own lives through prayer, leading a Sacramental life and meditation daily on the Word of God.

Amen…

Wishing you and Your Family a Year Filled with Holiness and Peace!

Have a Blessed Week,

Fr. Nathan