EPIPHANY OF THE LORD (SOLEMNITY) (B)
R1:- Isaiah 60:1-6
PS:- 72:1-2.7-8.10-11.12.13
R2:- Ephesians 3:2-3a.5-6
Accl:- Matthew 2:2
Gospel:- Matthew 2:1-12
The epiphany of the Lord is the manifestation of Jesus to the gentiles. At his birth, his star appeared to the three wise men, the Persian magi from the East.
However, Jesus Christ came for both the Jews and non Jews. He was born, not specifically for a set of people, but for the whole world. Where he was born does not matter, but why he was born. He was born to save the whole world.
Bethlehem was a small town, yet the Saviour of the world came from there. “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it is written by the prophet: And you, O Bethlehem , in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah, for from you shall come a ruler who will govern my people Israel” Matthew 2:5-6
It is what we can offer that brings people to us and not what we think or say we can offer. The world was busy, waiting for the king to be born from that remote town.
Moreover, king Herod was to find his way to him so as to destroy him, but his plan was foiled. Herod was a suspicious and murderous old folk, who cannot entertain anyone who pose a threat to his throne. The birth of another king in his stead was disheartening to him. The child must die.
However, the story turned around when the magi, took another road and did not return to him to give him the hint of exactly where the child was born.
Unlike Herod, who was looking for the way to kill the baby Jesus, the magi took the path of worship. Unlike the priests, and the scribes who were busy occupying and enjoying their office, lacking the knowledge of the new born king, the magi presented to him gold( as for a king), Frankincense(priest) and Myrrh( for burial).
The Saviour is born for all of us. Let us worship him and give him all the glory.
May we not be indifferent to the source of our salvation. May Christ birth invoke in us true sense of worship. And may our worship earn us eternal joy. Amen.
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