Epiphany of the Lord Year A
Isaiah 60:1-6
Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13
Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6
Matthew 2:1-12
“When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.’” (Mt 2:1)
The Magi are filled with longing for the infinite, and so they gaze at the stars. They do not spend their lives staring at their feet, self-absorbed, confined by earthly horizons. They are not plodding ahead in resignation or lamentation.
They lift their heads high and search for signs. They see a star, brighter than all others, and this sign makes them set out on a journey. The sign leads them to Jerusalem and Bethlehem.
It is our duty to seek the signs of the Lord’s presence in everyday life, following the example of the Magi. They teach us how to rediscover the ever-present Epiphany, the ever-present Lord revealing himself to us. Searching for the signs of his presence, we discover the real meaning of life.
Searching means not to remain closed in narrow confines of earthly things, thirsting for wealth and worldly comforts only, which are here today but gone tomorrow. If we waste our time, holding our heads bowed, as hostages of our own regrets, weaknesses and failures, we will truly lose the light and taste of life.
Which signs should we look for?
There are many other signs of the Lord’s presence. These three are the easiest to recognize. They become a fount of hope and courage.
First, it is the created nature itself: in the beauty of the world, in the harmony of valleys and mountains, of forests and lakes, in the order we see in it. In all of these, we can recognize the reflection of the Creator.
St. Paul reminds us “for what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made” (Rom 1:19-20). Raising our eyes above our daily concerns helps us to see more than is visible!
Second, contemplating the Church, we might be caught in awe. The Church is still here after 2000 years, often marked by inner divisions, failures of her representatives and sinfulness of Christians. The words of Jesus came true: “I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Mt 16:18).
The Greek ekklesia is translated as “church.” Literally it means “the called one.” In other words, the church – ekklesia – is the community of those whom the Lord called out of this world to form his new people.
The Church is his work and not human endeavor. Therefore, it still stands, though some individual Christians, clergy included, may fall and be lost. It is in this community that the Lord transforms powerfully the human hearts.
Experiences of the Lord’s presence in confession, Eucharist or in the worshipping community are signs that he is truly alive! Vatican II rightly teaches that the “Church is the sign and instrument both of a very closely knit union with God and of the unity of the whole human race” (Lumen Gentium, I.1).
Finally, it is our own sins and failures that are signs of his presence! How? The Fathers of the Desert encourage us to reflect on our weaknesses.
What happened and how? Why? What did I desire before engaging in this particular act? What did I gain? Was there more peace and joy in my heart?
When repented and confessed, what was the state of my heart? When did I have more peace? Sinning or repenting?
The Fathers taught that failure was not only inevitable but necessary for growth.
Abba Ammonas stated that the narrow and hard way required constant self-examination and the recognition of one’s own sinfulness. The Fathers encouraged daily reflection on one’s failings, urging individuals to question themselves constantly to discover where they fall short, so that they would not be overwhelmed by fear at the time of death.
The goal was not to achieve perfection but to cultivate a pure heart through constant awareness of one’s imperfections. The Fathers also taught that failure in one’s spiritual life was not a sign of God’s absence but an invitation to deeper humility. Above all, the awareness of one’s failures and delusions that follow them shows us clearly the mercy of the Lord.
Mark the Monk says, “despite falling into so many evil ways and often willingly slipping into sin, the soul was not rightfully handed over to destruction and death, but instead, the long suffering and benevolent Master, overlooking its sins, protected it, awaiting its conversion. The soul recalls that, when it willingly enslaved itself to its enemies and to evil spirits on account of the passions, God continually supported it, watching over the soul and providing for it in every way” (Mark the Monk, “Letter to Nicholas,” 2.3).
In the words of Pope Benedict XVI: “When true hope is lacking, happiness is sought in drunkenness, in the superfluous, in excesses, and we ruin ourselves and the world. … For this reason, we need people who nourish great hope, and thus, have great courage – the courage of the Magi, who made a long journey following a star and were able to kneel before a Child and offer him their precious gifts” (Homily, Jan. 6, 2008).
Father Robert Jager, Ph.D., is pastor of Columbus St. John Chrysostom Byzantine Catholic Church.