Deacon Matt's Reflection

Reflection for the Epiphany of the Lord:
Sunday, January 8, 2023

Isaiah 60:1-6: To begin our celebration of the Epiphany, we have this supremely hopeful and awe-inspiring prophecy of future Messianic glory for Israel. The Israelites are encouraged and instilled with new hope, to “look beyond their present darkness,” to imagine the long-promised and world-renowned Kingdom of the coming Messiah or Heavenly King. Contemplate the brave hope and trust in God that this prophetic message cultivates in a people who were, at that time living either in exile in foreign lands or under foreign occupation of their homeland. Return from exile and return to sovereign rule over their people are both promised, followed by the almost incomprehensible prophecy of subservience and homage paid to their people and to the Messiah by reverent nations and peoples of the world. What a hope-inspiring message of redemption!

Psalm 72: “Lord, every nation on earth will adore You.” Here we have another vision of the coming reign of the future Messiah/King, (Jesus). The psalmist promises that the Messiah will govern with justice, such that, consequently, oppressed peoples shall be freed, after right judgment of their situations/cases. An encompassing peace is promised as a result of this rulership of a just government. Because of the Messiah’s wisdom, prudence and fairness, the psalmist prays for the Messianic rule to extend over the whole world. As in the first reading, the psalmist describes that the Messiah will be feted with tributes and homage by rulers of all other nations. Contrasting this prophecy of world renown for the coming Messiah are the closing verse that praises the Messiah’s compassion for and championing of the causes of the poor, the oppressed and afflicted and the humble. This message of a “serving Messiah” inspires hope, even in our day!

Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6: On this special day, as we contemplate the gifts of the Magi, ponder the “gift” and responsibility given to St. Paul; his “stewardship of God’s grace,” or, more clearly, his mission to preach the message of the Christian Kingdom of God to the Gentiles. The Gentiles are now gifted, by God’s mercy, as co-heirs with the Jewish people as inheritors of the promise of Salvation through Jesus Christ.

Neither Paul, nor we have earned, or could earn our salvation. We are all totally dependent upon God’s mercy and grace for our salvation. By faith alone shall we be saved. However, never forget that we must depend upon God even for this “gift of faith” in Him. This “faith,” by virtue of its natural contemplation of God’s love inspires us to acts of love and service, or “good works.” Our good works don’t have the power or purity to save us, but they do have value as a “witness” to God’s Love. God’s Love inspires the intent of our good works to offer devotion, glory and praise to God.

Matthew 2:1-12: Now, we come to the humble stable; the central focus of our liturgical and contemplative celebration, today. The Messiah, foretold for centuries, has arrived! Yes, he is humble, as described… born in a manger! Yes, as foretold, kings have come to worship Him… but not in a palace or castle. Amazingly and ponderously, our Messiah/King is being worshiped and paid tribute by other kings kneeling in front of a seemingly poor child of poor parents. God has kept His promise and now asks a promise from us. Will we repent of our sins, amend our lives and accept our Heavenly Father’s offer of forgiveness and Salvation through the merits of His Son, Jesus Christ?

Be saved!
Deacon Matt