Reflection on The Epiphany of the Lord: Sunday, January 7, 2024 Isaiah 60;1-6:
This prophetic address by Isaiah to Jerusalem proclaims Jerusalem’s redemption; characterized by a transformation similar to a spiritual resurrection. The people of Jerusalem are seen as being resuscitated from their own “spiritual darkness” of discouragement; to become, via their enlightenment, a spiritual light to other peoples and nations struggling to believe and have confidence in God.
It's important for us to contemplate that when we receive gifts of spiritual enlightenment, or progress in virtues, the gift comes with responsibility on our part. The responsibility that God gives us is that we share the wisdom and enlightenment that we’ve been given with others. As Jesus relates elsewhere, we don’t put a lamp under a bushel basket. We put it on a lamp-stand (Mark 4:21-23), so that it gives light to everyone in the house!
Psalm 72: “Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.” As suggested in the first reading; we’re all called, via our baptisms, to invite and inspire others to share our worship and adoration of our God. The duty to model love and respect for God especially rests with local and world leaders. With this in mind, the psalmist wisely prays for wisdom and an accurate and fair sense of justice for the future Messianic King. We can infer that this psalm refers to the Messiah, as the psalmist prophecies that this King will rule a Kingdom that seems to span the whole world; “from sea to sea,” and “from the river to the ends of the earth.”
The character of the future Messianic King is described. One can’t help but recognize this familiar description of the Christian Kingdom of faith, to be led by the Messiah. The King (Jesus) will “rescue the poor,” “comfort the afflicted… have pity on the lowly and poor.” This is, unmistakably, a concise description of the Christian Mission.
Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6: Our contemplation theme of a “duty to share” with others the “Light,” or wisdom and graces we’ve received from God continues in this passage from St. Paul. Paul discloses his “stewardship of God’s grace,” regarding the “mystery” of Jesus’ Salvation and redemption of us, that Paul has been called to share with others. It’s obvious by the way Paul describes his “calling” that Paul sees the fulfillment of this role as his central life mission.
Furthermore, Paul takes this opportunity to remind us all that God’s Salvation and redemptive plan are offered to all people, and not just to those we regard as God’s “chosen people,” (Israel). Now, Jesus’ offer of Salvation and redemption is offered to everyone; Jews and Gentiles, alike. Together, we rejoice that all of God’s people have been brought into the Light!
Matt 2:1-12: As we read and contemplate today’s Gospel, we’re drawn to consider further our theme of “being open to the Light,” (the Divine Presence); and sharing the Good News of that Light (the Christian Message of Salvation), with others. The Magi were filled with the Light of Wisdom. They were able to recognize the importance and symbolic meaning of the star, through astrology. They knew that a major King and religious leader had been born, and when they found Him, they recognized that a King superior to them had been born. Consequently, they did Him homage. Then, like the shepherds, they were surely compelled to share the Light; the Good News of the coming of the Great King, with others. Thus, we too are called today… to receive the Light, the Good News of Jesus’ Salvation with others.