ARISE AND PAY HOMAGE

EPIPHANY OF THE LORD 2012

(Is 60:1-6, Eph 3:2-3.5-6, Mt 2:1-12)

1.0. The term Epiphany is derived from the Greek word, epiphania, meaning “manifestation”. Today, we celebrate the manifestation of the new born King, Jesus Christ, to the whole world. Through this celebration, we recall that the saving mysteries of Christ are made available to peoples of all nationalities, races and cultures. All are summoned to pay homage to the new born King.

2.0. The first reading from Isaiah was written after the exiles returned to Jerusalem and discovered the harsh realities on ground: everywhere was looking unkempt and unattractive (like the manger where Jesus was born). It was as if “...night still covers the earth and darkness the peoples” (Is 60:2). It was within this pitiable condition that the Prophet announces “Arise, shine out, for your light has come, and the glory of Yahweh has risen on you” (Is 60:1).

We recall that while foreigners took Jews to exile, they looted their treasures and took away their gold, silver, etc (cf Dan 5:2). But at this new dawn Isaiah announces, foreigners will come to Jerusalem, bringing gifts of Gold, frankincense, etc to worship God. Thus, people from every corner of the earth will experience this light as they come to worship God in Jerusalem (cf Is 60:3). Thus, the city would be a sort of point of contact for all peoples.

3.0. Unlike in Isaiah where the city of Jerusalem is the meeting point between pagans and Jews to receive the glory of God, St. Paul tells us that the Gospel is now the meeting point through which both Gentiles and Jews form one body and receive one inheritance (cf Eph 3:6). He says this mystery of the Gospel is entrusted to the apostles i.e. the Church (cf Eph 3:5).

The Church, in proclaiming the Gospel, manifests the new born King to the world. Since the life of the Church is formed by the Gospel, the Church becomes, as it were, that “New Jerusalem” to which people from every corner of the earth gather to pay homage to Jesus Christ. It is Jesus Himself working in and through the proclamation of the Church that draws people to Himself. Therefore, the Church, in announcing the Gospel, is like that shining star in the world that wise men follow to meet Jesus.

4.0. The wise men, we were told came from the “East” (How many were they? We were not told. But from the number of gifts we presume three). The “East” implies from the rising of the Sun, which represents the ends of the Earth. This points to how the proclamation of the Good News of Jesus Christ draws us from every corner of our being; from the depths of our heart, “so that the secret thoughts of many may be laid bare (Lk 2:35). It summons us to surrender totally to Jesus.

5.0. Hearing this proclamation, let us not be like Herod who was afraid of losing his authority. Of course, if we do not subject ourselves to the rule of the new born King, Jesus Christ, we will be living in fear. This fear led Herod to destroy many lives. And many today, living in this kind of fear, are destroying themselves and others.

6.0. The wise men followed two signs to reach Jesus:

a) A natural perceptible sign in the form of a star. Such perceptible signs are given to us today in the Sacraments of the Church. They are effective means through which Jesus Christ continues to manifest His saving mercy and love. In the sacraments we pay Him homage and acknowledge His sovereignty over us. There He shines His light on us—a light that dispels all darkness.

b) They followed the interpretation of the Scriptures given by the Chief priests and Scribes. Jesus reveals Himself through the Scriptures. The word of God is a light (cf Ps 119:105) that enlightens our lives and leads to Jesus. So we search the Scriptures, and meditate on them to discover Jesus.

Jesus Christ manifests Himself to us through the Sacraments and the proclamation of the Word. Let us be wise, arise, follow the signs and pay Him homage.

Fr. Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

St. Fabian’s Cath Church, Mbora, Abuja

8/01/12