Reflection for January 5, 2025

The Epiphany of the Lord (C)

Isaiah 60:1-6 | Psalm 72:1-2,7-8,10-11,12-13 | Ephesians 3:2-3a,5-6 | Matthew 2:1-12 

At first, there were seven kings traveling from the East, but only three managed to find their way to Bethlehem to honor the King of kings, as told in Matthew 2:1-12. One king got distracted by another star and ended up in New York, rebranding as Burger King. Another detoured to Beijing and became Chowking. The last two? They stumbled into Manila and decided to settle as Tapa King and Goto King instead!

Today, we celebrate the Epiphany, also known as the Solemnity of Our Lord's Manifestation. The word "Epiphany" comes from a fancy term meaning "to shine forth" or "to make a public appearance." The Magi symbolize the Gentiles—those outside the Jewish community. This feast reminds us that Jesus came not only for the Jewish people but for all humanity, making His love and salvation known to everyone.

The light of Christ is universal and does not discriminate. In our First Reading, we hear a prophecy made approximately seven centuries before Christ's birth, as the Israelites returned from captivity to the holy city of Jerusalem. This prophecy foretells a radiant future for the humbled and oppressed Israelites, with Isaiah proclaiming that the Jewish nation would serve as a light to the world, drawing all nations to their brilliance. This theme resonates with the account of Jesus’ third appearance after His resurrection (cf. John 21:11), where the apostles caught 153 fish. According to St. Jerome of Stridon, Patron of Biblical Studies, this number symbolized the belief that there were 153 species of fish in the world at that time, signifying the universal reach of the Gospel. The catch thus represents the salvation available to people of every class, nation, and era. This passage reminds us that the light of Christ extends to all, including the Gentiles. It affirms that all people are equally God’s beloved children, co-heirs, and co-partners in the same body of Christ. His message is meant to be shared with all nations, as commanded: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" (Mt 28:19). When you encounter Christ, do not confine or monopolize His truth. His desire is for all to know the fullness of truth and receive salvation, not just those belonging to a specific group or community.

When Jesus is revealed to us, our natural response is to offer Him gifts, just as the Magi presented their gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These gifts have profound symbolic meanings—gold represents Christ's royalty, frankincense His divinity, and myrrh His suffering and death. By giving these gifts, the Magi acknowledged Jesus as the Savior. St. Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, encourages us to be faithful stewards of God's graces. When we recognize Jesus, what gifts might we offer to express our understanding of who He is? Gold symbolizes our possessions. True devotion to Jesus means setting aside our treasures and worldly goods for Him, demonstrating that all we have belongs to Him. If we have not sacrificed anything, perhaps we have yet to truly find Jesus. Offering gold is a gesture of surrender, saying, "Lord, all I have is Yours. I place my wealth and resources under Your authority, to use according to Your will." Incense represents worship and prayer. By offering this gift, we commit ourselves to a life of worship and prayer, giving God the reverence He deserves. Myrrh symbolizes our pain and suffering. For those who follow Christ, suffering gains value when united with His sacrifice. In offering myrrh, we say, "My life is Yours, Lord. Let my struggles and sorrows be used for Your glory. May I decrease so that You may increase in me." Additionally, our talents are gifts that reflect the creativity of our Creator. These unique abilities are meant to praise and glorify God, not to be kept for ourselves. By offering our talents to Him, we acknowledge that they belong to God and commit to using them for His purpose. Like the Magi, we are called to offer our gifts—our wealth, worship, talents, and even our sufferings—to Jesus. While this may require sacrifice, it is never in vain. Everything we give comes from Him, for we belong to Him entirely. 

There must be conversion in finding Jesus. While Herod was murderously holding on, the magi were wisely letting go. Herod, consumed by fear of losing his throne, was disturbed by the prophecy of the Messiah. His infamous ruthlessness led him to eliminate anyone who posed a threat, including his wife, Mariamne, and three of his sons—Alexandros, Aristobulus, and Antipater. His paranoia culminated in the slaughter of innocent children in Bethlehem to secure his reign. In contrast, the Magi, after worshipping the Christ child, returned to their homeland "by another route." According to tradition, they shared with their people that the prophecy of Balaam of Mesopotamia—foretelling a unique star heralding a King who would rule the world—had been fulfilled (cf. Numbers 24:17-19). Upon this realization, they abandoned the study and practice of superstition, astrology, and pagan magic. St. John Chrysostom recounts that after Christ's resurrection, St. Thomas the Apostle journeyed to the Magi's land, baptized them, and involved them in preaching the Gospel. The Magi's story challenges us: upon encountering God, are we ready to go "home by another way"? Each of us harbors "favorite sins"—habits we struggle to leave behind. Yet, like the Magi, we are called to chart a new path, avoiding the occasions of sin and committing to a life transformed by Christ.

As we partake in this Holy Eucharist, let us pray for the grace to follow the example of the wise men. May we see every person as a beloved son or daughter of God, offer our gifts back to Him in gratitude, and resolve to turn away from sin. Wishing you a blessed, glorious, and joyful Feast of the Epiphany!

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