January 7
The Epiphany of the Lord
“Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.”
Readings
Reflection
Somehow, with the coming of New Year’s Day, we forget that the Christmas Season continues through the celebration of The Epiphany of the Lord. Perhaps it is the expectation that Christ comes for us personally, and once experienced we move on, which causes us to think this way.
The Feast of The Epiphany celebrates the realization that Christ comes for all people. We see this demonstrated through the arrival of the Three Astrologers, or Wise Men. Each of these men came from their own country and traditions yet are searching for an encounter with the Christ Child. I always find the celebration of Epiphany humbling, realizing that Christ has not just come for me or my people and tradition, but for all people. He has come for people centuries before me, as well as for those who have yet to be born. The manifestation of God for all the nations develops through todays readings. The following three themes are present in today’s Sacred Scripture.
Jerusalem is the source of light for all nations, which causes us to recognize that God shines as light in the midst of the surrounding darkness. This holy light has the city of Jerusalem as its source.
Christ is the revelation of God to all the nations. The Three Astrologers search for truth with the eyes of faith and were therefore able to recognize the great gift God the Father has given us in the Christ Child.
Christ establishes new relationships between the Jewish people and the Gentiles. Christ asks us to change the way we perceive one another. When we move from our own individual or nation centric ideas to realize that Christ unites us in a spirit of holiness, we are able to see Christ in the other, and recognize our call to deeper relationship in Him.
May we live 2024 in such a manner that we exemplify these three themes, allowing the light of Christ shine through us, and our parish!
Peace,
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