Isaiah 60:1-6; Psalm
72; Ephesians 3:2-3, 5-6; Matthew 2:1-12
"Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we
have seen his star in the East, and have come to worship him."
Matthew 2:2 RSVCE
At last… It’s the Epiphany!
As I mentioned in yesterday’s reflection, Epiphany was the
“Christmas” before there was Christmas.
After Easter, this was the next biggest celebration on the Church’s
calendar. Why? Because Epiphany not only celebrated the
coming of Christ into the world, but His manifestation, or “revealing” to the
Gentiles. This is the day we’ve been
waiting for.
Such a sentiment was that of the Magi when they came to
Herod in Jerusalem looking for the One who was foretold. They knew nothing of Jewish prophecy or
scripture. They were pagans. But in sincerity of heart they were seeking
the One who is truly the King of all kings.
And so it was that they were divinely led to come and worship Jesus.
Listen to Isaiah’s mournful dirge as he bemoans the people
lost in darkness. “See, darkness covers
the earth, and thick clouds cover the peoples.”
Then the good news bursts onto the scene. “But upon you the LORD shines and over you
appears his glory.” This is it. Since the Fall in Eden darkness has covered
the land. The prophets foretold a time
of radiant light that would drive out the darkness. But centuries had passed without their
fulfillment. Many who clung to this
sliver of hope died without seeing its realization. But now… it was finally here. “Rise up in splendor, Jerusalem! Your light has come, the glory of the Lord
shines upon you.” Thanks be to God!
The Psalmist sings out with that song that is in the hearts
of those who have apprehended the truth: “Lord, every nation on earth will
adore you.” That is why the Magi come to
worship.
It is interesting to note that often in scripture, and
particularly in the Gospels, we find Gentiles instinctively turning to Christ
in faith where generations of Jews have rejected Him. Why is that?
Perhaps the old saying is true; familiarity breeds contempt. Had the prophecies become old hat by the time
the Christ arrived? Were people tired of
hearing the stories? Did they sound like
fairy-tales? Did they think of
themselves as living in a post-messianic world?
The parallels should be obvious. For some of those of Christian heritage seem
to be more cynical and apathetic to the teachings of Christ than those
encountering them for the first time.
Where is our awe and wonder?
Where is our enthusiasm? What
would it take to wrest us from our homelands to travel half a continent or more
so we could merely glimpse the prophesied One?
This is the heart of true worship and so the heart of the true
worshiper.
Why all the excitement?
Let St. Paul help us here. “You
have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for your
benefit… that the Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and
copartners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.” The Jews were God’s chosen people, but they
weren’t chosen exclusively. They were
chosen to bring the good news to the Gentiles.
This was the mystery hidden in times past, but revealed through our
Lord. The Gentiles rejoice! They too have an inheritance. They are not lost. They are not doomed to wander in the darkness. The light has come, and they are called into
it.
And so the Magi, representative of the Gentiles, travel,
search, find, and worship.
What is true worship?
Is it merely to perform the liturgy?
No. Is it to give money, or sing
songs, or offer some extravagant sacrifice?
No. At least, it can’t be only that. There must be more. The Magi show us what it is.
True worship involves a diligent searching. They sought the signs in the heavens. It was all that they knew. But they were diligent and charted the
courses of the stars and their constellations.
They knew this had great import.
They searched in their journey for the One who is King of the Jews.
True worship involves preparation. Their plans must have been months, if not
years, in the making. To arrange for a
caravan, the gifts, provisions, and the time necessary for travel would have
necessitated great planning.
True worship involves expense. There is no such thing as costless
worship. True worship costs
something. It may be money, or
possessions. It may even be time. But it will certainly be the cost of our own
hearts and souls laid at the Savior’s feet.
Our whole lives will be upended as we offer all to Him who is all in
all.
Dear friends, do we dare to take a hard look at ourselves to
determine whether or not we are true worshipers? Will you join me in such an exam? Uncomfortable? Certainly!
Life-changing? Hopefully! For there is no way that we could out-give
our God. No worship could be so
extravagant as to outpace our Lord’s love, mercy, and grace. For all the homage we may offer there will be
so many blessings coming back to us.
This is the heart of the Epiphany. It is to see the greatness of God on display,
to be awed, and to worship. Throughout
the Christmas season we have been singing, “O come let us adore Him.” Then let us do so. The moment has arrived. It is Epiphany at last. Come, let us worship. May the world be filled with His light!
Blessed Epiphany to all!
1 comment:
Indeed, "True worship costs something. It may be money, or possessions. It may even be time. But it will certainly be the cost of our own hearts and souls laid at the Savior’s feet."
Great stuff! Jim K
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