The Epiphany of the Lord

The Epiphany of the Lord

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!