January 05, 2020
Epiphany
In a very short time, all flights to Houston were sold out. Fans had to scramble to schedule flights to neighboring cities and then rent cars or take trains or buses. Some chose to drive from WNY in order to grill and snack before the game. It is amazing what some will do to attend a Bills Playoff game. After proclaiming the Gospel according to St. Matthew, can we question the wisdom of Magi traveling to a distant land after seeing a star in the night sky that foretells the birth of a new king? Though they are risking a lot on the appearance, the light of a star.
Isaiah, the great Jewish prophet, speaks to the returning exiles expressing hope that Jerusalem will be a light to the Nations. “Nations shall walk by your light, and kings by your shining radiance.â€
St. Paul in his letter to the Ephesians writes of the “stewardship of God’s grace†given to him to share “a revelation†with the Gentiles. “Revelation†means “to lift a veil between the seen and unseen.†St. Paul, a faithful Jew, is saying that Gentiles, foreigners, are “coheirs†with Jews of God’s covenant blessings. In and through Jesus, God’s salvation and mercy are intended for all.
Our coming together at Mass is an “Epiphany†– a manifestation that people can come together in faith while still respecting other beliefs and acknowledging the brokenness, pain, uncertainty and divisions within our human family. King Herod wants to eliminate the child that poses a threat to his power and perceived possessions. The Magi follow the light of the star that leads them to Bethlehem, to a house, where they see the child and Mary his Mother. They prostrate themselves and do him homage offering gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. They discover true wealth. Warned in dream they depart for their country by another way. Everything changes when we find the Christ.
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Holy Family of Jesus, Mary & Joseph
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Baptism of the Lord
