Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord (ABC)

January 7, 2018

Readings:

First Reading – Isaiah 1:6

Psalm 72

Second Reading – Ephesian 3:2-3a, 5-6

Gospel reading according to Matthew (2:1-12)

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Homily

The Epiphany of the Lord means his revelation or appearance to all as represented by the magi. The magi or wise men from the east represent all peoples in all nations of the world in searching and finding the true Light, our Lord Jesus Christ.  They went out from their countries in search of the newly born child.  They were guided by the light of a star.  The magi came to Israel (that particular place, small yet significant and important in the history of salvation and redemption of humankind) and when they reached Jerusalem the star guiding them disappeared, and its light subsided and diminished.  The reason is that Jerusalem in that time was ruled by a king (Herod) who was tyrant and oppressor, and the leaders of the Temple corrupt.  They led the people Israel to darkness.  There was no good leader to shepherd the people of God.  When king Herod knew the coming of the magi and announced to him their purpose, saying: “Where is the newborn king of the Jews?  We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage” (Mt. 2: 2). He was caught unaware, “he was greatly troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They said to him, ‘In Bethlehem of Judea, for that it was written through the prophet: And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; since from you shall come a ruler, who is to shepherd my people Israel’.’ (Mt. 2: 3-6).  Only now that king Herod realized that there is a new king who would replace him in his throne.  And he was afraid and worried about it.  He cannot accept that someone will replace him from his throne.

A bad and evil plan was formed in king Herod’s mind.  He shall kill the infant.  The child must die, so that he will not sit in his throne, except king Herod only.  He will use the magi secretly to find and later kill the child, but this will not happen for they were guarded by an angel.  (cf. Mt. 2: 12).  “Then Herod called the magi secretly and ascertained from them the time of the star’s appearance.  He sent them to Bethlehem and said, ‘Go and search diligently for the child.  When you have found him, bring me word, that I too may go and do him homage’.” (Mt. 2: 7-8).  When they left king Herod’s palace and Jerusalem, the star that led them came out and their path became bright that came from the light of star.  “And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was” (Mt. 2: 9). The newborn King, Jesus, the Babe of Bethlehem appeared to them and revealed his glory and majesty in that simple manger.  So simple, so humble and poor a place where he was born but so holy, and so blessed indeed.  They gave homage to the new born King of the universe and in particular of Israel.

As the prophet Isaiah said, “Rise up in splendor!  Your light has come, the glory of the Lord shines upon you.  See darkness covers the earth, and thick clouds cover the people; but upon you the Lord shines, and over you appears his glory.  Nations shall walk by your light, and kings by your shining radiance” (Is. 60:  1-3).   “They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother [and Joseph, his foster father].  They prostrated themselves and did him homage.  They opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh” (Mt. 2: 10-11).  As what Isaiah the prophet prophesied when the Son of God came: “The wealth of the nations shall be brought to you.  Caravans of camels shall fill you, dromedaries from Midian and Ephah; all from Sheba shall come bearing gold and frankincense, and proclaiming the praises of the Lord” (Is. 60: 5-6).

Now the true Light is revealed to us all through the birth of Jesus, Son of Mary and Joseph, and He is in our midst to share his light to all people of good will, of different religions or beliefs, culture, color, or tribe or language, representing by the magi.  We no longer walking in the dark valley of sin for Jesus is our light in that path leading us to God the Father.  The darkness that covers the earth will be dispelled and lighten the world, and the thick clouds will be removed and change into clear blue sky for His glory is now revealed and manifested to all nations.