EPIPHANY OF THE LORD, YEAR B
7th January 2024.
Isaiah 60:1-6; Ephesians 3:2-3,5-6; Matthew 2:1-12.
The feast of the Epiphany is the manifestation of the Lord Jesus to the whole world. This feast gives us the opportunity to renew our love and fidelity to our saviour at the beginning of the new year. In today’s gospel, there are three characters that articulate the different dispositions to the manifestation of Jesus Christ. The first is King Herod the Great, the second are the Chief Priests and the Scribes, while the third are the Magi – the three wise men. Their dispositions are skeptical, indifference and adventurous respectively.
King Herod was disturbed by the news of a newly born King for obvious reasons hence his skeptical disposition, and his response was clear: Go and find out all about the child, and when you have found him, let me know, so that I too may go and do him homage. The chief priests and the scribes have the historical data but were more preoccupied with their comfort zones hence their indifference. The Magi were astrologers known for their adventurous spirit, embarked on the long journey to Bethlehem. The sight of the star filled them with delight and falling to their knees they did him homage.
Adventure is the best disposition to the wonder-filled manifestation of our Lord Jesus! The moment we open ourselves to the truth of his presence, it will shine like a star, leading us through the path of salvation. Let this feast of the Epiphany enable us to purify our intentions, rise above our comfort zones and embark on an adventure with Jesus Christ this new year.
Fr Anthony Ekpunobi, CM