Epiphany of The Lord – 2022

Epiphany of The Lord – 2022

EpiphC22.    Isaiah 60:1-6.   Upon you, Jerusalem, “the Lord shines, and over you appears his glory.  Nations shall walk by your light, and kings by your shining radiance.”  Originally probably written to welcome and attract the Jews to return from captivity, but also to contrast what magnificence God had to offer versus the worthlessness that the pagan world had to offer.  “All from Sheba shall come bearing gold and frankincense, and proclaiming the praises of the Lord.”  This prophecy proclaims that those who are in the darkness shall see God’s brilliance and bring gifts to offer him in worship.

Psalm 72: “Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.” “All kings shall pay him homage, all nations shall serve him.”

Matthew 2:1-12.  Here we meet the stark contrast of the pagan magi who seek the light that gives life and Herod who has given himself over to the death of darkness.  The star is God’s angelic light.  After leaving Herod, the star reappears to lead the Magi.  On seeing “the child with Mary his mother, they prostrated themselves and did him homage.  Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.” The treasure we have to offer in adoration is our life, love, our very selves.

Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6.  What was hidden in other generations is now revealed: “that the Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and copartners in the promise in Christ Jesus though the gospel.” The light that shone to the magi was a light to all nations.  When we open ourselves to the light of God’s presence so to enlighten our lives, we can see the love of God for us that is the life that is eternal.  It will not die at the grave. Living in darkness is the worldly belief that what is visible to the human eye is the only reality.  To live in the light that is Christ is to recognize that what is invisible is eternally real while what is visible exists only temporarily.