The Epiphany of the Lord
Your light has come, the glory of the Lord shines upon you (Is 60:1).
Today, we celebrate the radiant feast of the Epiphany, the manifestation of the Lord’s glory to all nations. Although God singled out the tiny nation of Israel as his chosen people, his generous heart, overflowing with mercy, lavishly pours out his love upon all peoples in the person of Jesus Christ. St. Paul states it so clearly in his letter to the Ephesians: “the Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and copartners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.” (Eph 3:6).
This universal invitation to membership in the Body of Christ challenges the narrowness of our vision. God’s own people and the Jewish religious leaders, failed to recognize the presence of the Messiah in their midst. In fact, King Herod, gripped by the fear of losing his earthly power, felt so threatened by this newborn king that he attempted to kill the child while he was yet an infant. His reaction stands in stark contrast to the openness of foreigners. It is the Gentiles, represented by magi from the east, who observed the signs of the miracle that had come upon the earth. They undertook a challenging journey, at great effort and no small expense, demonstrating their commitment to find and honor the new king.
Their journey is a mirror for our own. Where are you in your spiritual journey in search of Christ? Does Jesus rule as king in your day-to-day life, or do you allow fear and worldly concerns to control your actions? Is Christ at the center of your heart, or does someone or something else take first place—perhaps a job, a relationship, or a personal ambition?
The magi brought offerings of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. What gifts do you bring to Him? These need not be material gifts. Perhaps they are the gold of your obedience, the frankincense of your prayer life, or the myrrh of sacrificing a habit that distances you from God. What sacrifices have you made to find the newborn king and pay Him homage?
We ask for light today, a lamp to guide our feet, a brilliant star to illumine our path. May we be led not only to the manger, but to the very heart of our beloved Savior, so that his glory may shine not just upon us, but through us, as lights to the world around us.
For today: Ponder the gifts that you can offer to the Lord today. Which of those can your share with others?
Reflection by Br. Michael Marcotte, OSB
Posted in Articles for Christmas, Daily Reflections