We celebrate the Epiphany of the Lord, the manifestation of Christ not only to Israel, but to all nations. The word epiphany means revelation. God reveals who Jesus truly is; not just a child born in Bethlehem, but the Savior of the world. Today’s Gospel presents us with three groups of people, and in them we can recognize three ways of responding to Christ.
The Magi: seekers of the Light. The Magi were foreigners. They did not know the Scriptures, but they had open hearts. They saw the Star and followed it. Their journey teaches us something essential: God speaks to everyone, but only those who are willing to move, to leave their comfort zones, will find Him. Faith is not passive. The Magi had to travel far, face uncertainty, and persevere when the star disappeared. Yet they kept going. And when they finally found the Child, they fell down and worshiped Him. True faith always leads to adoration.
Herod: Fear of Losing Control. King Herod also hears about Jesus, but his reaction is very different. He is afraid. The birth of Christ threatens his power, his comfort, his way of life. Herod represents those who prefer a religion that does not challenge them. He wants information, not transformation. He pretends to seek Jesus, but in reality he wants to eliminate Him. We must ask ourselves honestly: Do we welcome Christ even when He asks us to change? Or do we resist Him when the Gospel challenges our habits, our priorities, our sins?
The Religious Leaders: they had knowledge without commitment to change. The scribes and chief priests know the Scriptures. They know exactly where the Messiah is to be born. But they do not go. They explain the Word, but they do not follow it. This is a warning for all of us who are close to the Church: it is possible to know about God and yet miss God. Or those who say ‘I love God’, but would not go to church to worship Him.
The Magi offer gold, frankincense, and myrrh: Gold: acknowledging Christ as King. Frankincense: recognizing His divinity. Myrrh: foreshadowing His suffering and death. But today Christ asks for different gifts: the gold of our faith, the incense of our prayer, the myrrh of our daily sacrifices and love. At Mass, the same Lord whom the Magi adored is present at the altar. May we not only see Him, but recognize Him, worship Him, and let His light guide us.
God is Good, All the Time!
Father Tony Udoh, MSP Pastor of Holy Family
