Homily -Sunday 5 January 2025- Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord- Rev. Dr. Fr. Patrick Mathias SDB

 

Homily -Sunday 5 January 2025- Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord

MAGI FROM THE EAST

Mass Readings: Is 60:1-6   Sal 72   Eph 3:2-3.5-6   Mt 2:1-12

Key Verse to Meditate: "Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage" (Mt 2:2).

Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,

Today, we celebrate the great solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord, also known as the manifestation of the Lord. This feast commemorates the revelation of Jesus to the world, represented in the visit of the Magi, who came to adore Him (cf. Ps 71).

The visit of the Magi to Bethlehem marks the beginning of the universal Church, where even those outside the chosen people—the Gentiles, represented by the Magi from the East—came to worship the newborn King. Alongside the humble shepherds, the Magi symbolize humanity’s adoration and honor of the promised Messiah.

A few days ago, we celebrated the Nativity of the Lord, focusing on the Jewish shepherds who were led to the place of Jesus’ birth by the angel’s announcement. Today, we celebrate the manifestation of God to the Gentiles, as the Magi, guided by a star, arrived at the house where Jesus was born. This feast reminds us of the universality of the Church, where Christ is revealed to all peoples.

The Readings: A Foretelling of the Epiphany

The mystery of the Savior's birth is beautifully illustrated in today's readings.

In the first reading, the prophet Isaiah foretells the arrival of the Gentiles who come to adore the newborn King: "Then you shall see and be radiant; your heart shall thrill and rejoice, because the abundance of the sea shall be brought to you, the wealth of the nations shall come to you. A multitude of camels shall cover you, the young camels of Midian and Ephah; all those from Sheba shall come. They shall bring gold and frankincense and shall proclaim the praise of the Lord" (Is 60:5-6).

In the second reading, St. Paul reveals the mystery made known to him, that through Christ, the Gentiles are now fellow heirs of the promise: "The Gentiles have become fellow heirs, members of the same body, and sharers in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel" (Eph 3:6).

Three Reactions to the Birth of Christ

In the Gospel account of the Magi's journey, we see three distinct reactions to the announcement of Jesus’ birth: that of the Magi, that of Herod and that of the priests.

1. Herod, the King of Jerusalem: Perplexed and Threatened

King Herod and all of Jerusalem were troubled by the news brought by the wise men (Mt 2:3). Herod, filled with fear and jealousy, perceived the newborn King as a rival to his throne. He sought to use the Magi as spies, and when they did not return, he unleashed his wrath by ordering the massacre of innocent children, mirroring Pharaoh’s attempt to kill Moses. Herod’s reaction exemplifies the "love of self" that blinds one to the truth of God’s revelation.

King Herod was deeply perplexed upon hearing that a rival king had been born, one who was publicly proclaimed as the "King of the Jews." In Herod's mind, there could be only one king, and the very idea of Jesus’ kingdom posed a stark contrast to his own rule and authority. Herod recognized that this new kingdom, rooted in divine purpose, could potentially challenge his power and disrupt the political stability he sought to maintain.

Herod, the King of Jerusalem, had already made his choice—a choice between God's will and his own. Tragically, he chose himself. He viewed everything through the lens of self-interest and was determined to eliminate any perceived threat to his position, no matter the cost. Saint Augustine aptly describes this mindset as "the love of self, even to the point of contempt for God." Herod likely rationalized his actions as necessary for protecting his throne, his dynasty, and the welfare of his nation. Yet, his actions reveal a heart consumed by fear and selfish ambition.

The Gospel later recounts that when Herod realized the Magi had outwitted him and failed to return with information about the child, his response was brutal: he ordered the massacre of all male children under the age of two in Bethlehem and its vicinity. Herod was utterly incapable of rejoicing in the "Epiphany"—the manifestation of God. His ego and arrogance blinded him to the light of truth, leaving him trapped in darkness.

The Ruler Who Will Shepherd My People

In today’s Gospel, we read the prophetic words: "From you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people, Israel" (Mt 2:6). This statement underscores the profound difference between Herod’s reign and the kingship of Jesus. Jesus is not a king who wields power for personal gain or domination. Instead, He is the shepherd-king, leading His people with care, compassion, and love.

This theme of shepherd leadership resonates deeply with the history of Israel. All the tribes of Israel once approached David, saying: "For some time, while Saul was king over us, it was you who led out Israel and brought it in. The LORD said to you: It is you who shall be shepherd of my people Israel, you who shall be ruler over Israel" (2 Sam 5:2). This connection between shepherding and kingship would have been familiar to first-century Jews.

The prophecy that a ruler would “shepherd my people Israel” evoked eschatological hope among the Jewish people. It pointed to the fulfillment of God’s promise to gather the twelve tribes of Israel under a divine leader, as foretold in the Scriptures (cf. Ezek 34:4–16; Mic 5:1–9; Ezra 13:34–50). This promise finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person of Christ, the Good Shepherd, who leads His people not through coercion or fear, but through love, service, and the gift of salvation.

Yet, even from the beginning, Jesus' mission faced opposition. Herod's hostility foreshadows the challenges and rejection Jesus would endure throughout His life. The clash between worldly power and divine purpose, between human ambition and God’s kingdom, begins to unfold, setting the stage for the transformative work of Christ.

2. The Priests and Scribes: Indifferent and Unmoved

The chief priests and scribes confirmed to Herod that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem, as foretold by the prophet Micah: “From you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel” (Mic 5:2). Secondly, the phrases "In Bethlehem of Judea" or "Bethlehem, in the land of Judah" point us to an important truth, as they not only show the connection between Jesus and the patriarch Judah (cf. Gen 1:2–3) but also affirm that the Davidic Messiah was expected to come from the tribe of Judah (Rev 5:5; cf. Gen 49:9–10; Heb 7:14).

Despite their knowledge of Scripture, the priests and scribes remained indifferent, failing to join the Magi in their journey to encounter the Savior. Their inaction contrasts sharply with the eager faith of the Magi.

3. The Magi: Faithful Seekers of the Truth

The Magi, the central figures of today’s solemnity, embarked on a long and perilous journey, guided by the light of a star. Their determination, sacrifice, and unwavering faith led them to the house where Jesus lay. Overcome with joy, they fell down and worshiped Him, offering gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

The Journey of the Magi

The journey of the Magi was anything but easy. They braved harsh weather, the threat of thieves, and the dangers of wild beasts. Yet, they pressed on with unwavering determination, guided by the mysterious star. They understood that this star was unique, leading them to a profound and transformative experience—the joy of encountering Christ, worshiping Him, and offering their gifts.

To reach Bethlehem, the Magi had to continually seek guidance and faithfully follow the star, a divine sign sent by God. The Gospel tells us that after leaving King Herod’s palace, they were overjoyed to see the star reappear in the sky, lighting their way once more.

The Magi Contemplate the Face of God

The Magi made significant sacrifices to reach their final destination, yet their reward was unparalleled: they experienced the ultimate joy of worshiping the King of kings and offering Him their treasures. In the Christ Child, they contemplated the very face of God—a fulfillment of their long-awaited hope revealed to them by the appearance of the star.

The star led them to the humble dwelling where they beheld God's only Son in the manger. St. Matthew records: “When they entered the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him” (Mt 2:11). The star revealed to the Magi the true light of the world, Jesus Christ, who would illuminate all nations.

The Guiding Star

To find Jesus, the Magi gazed intently at the star, allowing it to guide them to Bethlehem. This star symbolized God’s guidance, much like the pillar of cloud and fire that led the Israelites in the desert (cf. Ex 13:21). The Magi’s journey reminds us of the need for perseverance and faith to discover Christ in our own lives.

Upon reaching Jerusalem, they began asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising and have come to pay him homage” (Mt 2:2). Their inquiry not only signaled the arrival of the Messiah but also demonstrated their courage and determination to find Him, despite obstacles.

After consulting with the deceitful King Herod, the Magi continued their journey. Upon leaving his palace, they were overcome with joy when the star reappeared, leading them to the house where Jesus lay. Like the Magi, we too are called to tread unknown paths, enduring spiritual struggles, to find Christ and worship Him.

What is the Guiding Star of Your Life?

In our faith journey, we must ask: What is the guiding star of my life? In today’s society, many are guided by fleeting stars—celebrities, material success, or worldly pursuits—but these cannot lead us to true life or salvation. Instead, like the Magi, our focus must be on finding Christ. Only then can we adore Him, offering Him the gifts of our hearts—our sins, brokenness, and joys—so that He may heal and guide us toward eternal life.

The Child in the Manger Was God

The Magi recognized that the Child in the manger was God. The Gospel explicitly states that they worshiped Him—a gesture that, even in their time, was reserved solely for God. In the context of today's Church, we are called to rediscover the profound importance of worshiping Jesus, kneeling before Him in the Eucharist. The same God whom the Magi saw in Mary’s arms is present in the Tabernacle. Even now, we can affirm that the same God is hidden in the small piece of consecrated bread during the Eucharist.

The Magi offered Him the most precious gifts they had: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Gold symbolizes that the Child is King. As Christians, we are called to let Jesus reign in our hearts and actions, striving to please Him in all that we do. The Magi also brought frankincense, the aromatic resin burned each evening on the altar by priests, symbolizing prayer. Our prayers that rise to the Lord, and our desire to lead holy lives, are the incense we offer today. This spreads what St. Paul describes as “the fragrance of Christ’s charity” (2 Cor 2:15). Lastly, they offered myrrh, a substance associated with anointing and burial, symbolizing Christ’s acceptance of our miseries and His bearing of our pains. Myrrh, recalling Jesus' Passion, reminds us that sacrifice is an indispensable part of the Christian life.

The Gifts of Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh

Bowing down in adoration, the Magi presented the Child with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, which symbolize loyalty, submission, and reverence. After their worship, they were warned in a dream by the Lord and took another route back to their homeland.

The gifts have profound significance:

Gold symbolizes Jesus as King, a reminder of the sovereign reign of Christ in our lives.

Frankincense represents Jesus as God, as it was used in worship and priestly rituals.

Myrrh foretells His sacrificial death, emphasizing His role as the one who would bear humanity’s sins.

Interestingly, gold and myrrh were among the gifts brought to King Solomon by foreigners, and gold and frankincense were closely associated with the temple he built (cf. 1 Kgs 10:2, 25; 1 Chr 9:29; 2 Chr 9:24; Neh 13:5, 9). In the Old Testament, frankincense and myrrh appear together only three times, each in connection with Solomon (cf. Song of Solomon 3:6; 4:6, 14).

The presence of the Magi fulfills the prophecy in Isaiah: “Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you” (Is 60:1). Later in Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus declares, “I tell you, many will come from east and west and will eat with Abraham and Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven” (Mt 8:11).

These gifts, offered in humility and reverence, inspire us to reflect on the treasures we bring to Christ today. May our lives, like the Magi’s, be marked by a spirit of adoration, sacrifice, and unwavering faith.

Points for Personal Reflection

Like the Magi, we are called to return to our lives transformed, taking a new path. This means making life choices that lead to greater joy, freedom, and love for God and neighbor. Those who truly encounter Christ cannot return to old, sinful ways but are inspired to walk in newness of life.

Do we recognize the signs God sends to guide us on our journey of faith? Are we attentive to the "stars" in our lives that lead us to Christ? When faced with doubts or failures, do we continue seeking and following the divine guidance, trusting that God’s star never disappears until we reach Him?

Our journey requires perseverance, sacrifice, and faith. Just as the Magi endured trials to behold Christ, we too must remain steadfast in seeking Him. And as we navigate a world filled with modern Herods, let us be vigilant, faithful, and guided by the true light—Christ our Lord.

The feast of the Epiphany invites us to reflect on the universal call to salvation. Like the Magi, we are called to seek Christ, to follow His light, and to offer Him our lives in adoration and service. Let us rejoice in the manifestation of God’s love for all humanity and strive to make Him known in our words and actions- Amen.

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