Nov 29.pub

1saiah 60:1-6

Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13

Ephesians 3:2-3A, 5-6

Matthew 2:1-12

Summary

The Feast of the Epiphany marks the end of the Advent/Christmas season. For the

past several weeks, the Church prepared for the moment when the Word became

flesh. We celebrated that moment on Christmas day. At Jesus’ birth angels pro-

claimed him a savior for all people. But initially, only shepherds, representing the

poorest of all, came to adore him.

Today’s feast reminds us that Jesus indeed came for everyone. In the reading from

Isaiah we hear that “all gather and come to you”. The Magi fulfilled Isaiah’s proph-

ecy of “caravans of camels” coming from the far corners of the earth “bearing gifts

of gold and frankincense”. They represent the refrain of the responsorial psalm:

“Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.” Paul reinforces this theme as he

writes to the Ephesians: “the Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and

copartners in the promise of Christ Jesus”. Matthew’s gospel emphasizes that hu-

man nature doesn’t always appreciate God’s universal salvific love. Herod was

greatly troubled on hearing of Jesus’ birth. He perceived this newborn king of the

Jews as a threat.

Reflection

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we have seen his

glory” (John 1:14). Throughout the Hebrew Scriptures, the word of God was

spoken through the prophets. In Jesus, the Word of God is manifested in human

form – God with a face. Words are very powerful. They have the power to affirm

and give life. They also have the power to denigrate and destroy life. God chose to

become one like us so that through Jesus’ words and actions God’s universal love

could be revealed. Actually experiencing that universal love can be a life long jour-

ney.

Fr. Thomas Rosica wrote a beautiful reflection about the Feast of the Epiphany:

“Some of us are destined to find the Christ child only after a long, tedious journey

like that of the Magi. Our worldly wisdom and worldly ways, our ecclesiastical fa-

çades need to disappear; we must make sacrifices to find our deepest meaning and

peace that is Christ. Most wise people need to make quite a trek if they are to find

any lasting meaning.