The Collect for Today’s Mass proclaims God’s
revelation of his Only Begotten Son to the nations by a
guiding star. It was a clear sign for anyone hungering to
rise above darkness and seek a
power greater than self. We
usually associate power with
prestige, intellect, financial
strength and the ability to
persuasively articulate a rallying
call -- not a little child. But this
child is different. Epiphany
celebrates this one very special
child, born in the obscure village
of Nazareth, in Bethlehem,
revealed locally to shepherds,
kings and religious leaders, and
today, revealed to the world.
About five years after my
mother died, Dad started showing
signs of dementia. He had lived in
New York for 80 years but after two strokes came to live
with us in rural Tennessee. It was definitely a culture
shock for him. He moved from a two bedroom, one bath
apartment in Queens to a 3,000 square foot two-story
house on a 5 acre plateau where our neighbors to the east
were horses and cows. In the daylight hours, Dad would
go outside and wonder why the shops, the people, the
traffic, and the everyday busyness he was so accustomed
to seeing were not there. At night he would stare at the
sky and marvel at how bright the stars were against the
backdrop of pitch darkness. He would say, “I never
knew there were so many stars in the sky.”
Seekers can still see Jesus as God’s brilliance
revealed against the world’s milieu of darkness. Believers
can live the reality of Jesus present among us and now
make Him known all the more.
In Isaiah, Jesus is the glory of the Lord shining upon
us -- light dispelling darkness. Isaiah’s words, “See,
darkness covers the earth” (Isaiah 60:2a) link to darkness
at the beginning, in Genesis, when God created light --
where he broke through, with power and love, and
created from nothingness. If we would only raise the
eyes of our hearts above our present void of sin, we too
will share his glory and walk by his radiant light.
When burdened with sickness, financial problems,
relationship struggles or other setbacks it is difficult to
see God’s glory. Jesus, revealed prophetically in word
and physically in reality, is God’s assurance we have
nothing to fear. Isaiah continues, “But upon you the Lord
shines, and over you appears his glory” (Isaiah 60:2b).
“But” is a word of interruption, a contradiction of what
has been -- a word of hope to the weary in body, mind or
spirit. We put faith in the God who knows our struggles
yet can say, “But;” turn our circumstances around for
good, and bring newness and healing.
St. Paul’s profound revelation is liberating to those
formerly in darkness. “Gentiles are coheirs, members of
the same body, and copartners in the promise (of eternal
life) in Christ Jesus through the gospel” (Ephesians 3:6).
Once we receive this blessed promise nothing less will
do. We can come out of the closet, reveal our true
identity as Gospel believers, worship the Lord with
abandon, and gently encourage others to see for
themselves. As “stewards of God’s grace” we can
partner with the Lord, revealing him in the circumstances,
tragedies and celebrations of those we encounter.
Today’s Gospel personifies a contrast between
darkness and light. Herod was so self-absorbed that he
saw Jesus as a threat to carrying out his own agenda. The
chief priests and scribes had knowledge of a promised
Messiah, but their attitude of indifference kept their
heart’s hardened. The Magi followed the light of hope,
persevering in the face of deceit, delays and detours until
they found and worshiped the Lord of glory. They saw
the light, sought the light and became light for others.
Try this for a New Year resolution that will bring joy
and blessings:
SEE Jesus in your tragedies, celebrations, public
worship, quiet thoughts and prayers and especially in the
most difficult people with whom you interact.
SEEK Jesus continuously in your prayer, praise and
study of his word.
BECOME Jesus for those who have not yet
acknowledged his Lordship.
For Reflection:
1. How can you best glorify God in your heart and in
your home?
2. How do people of faith reveal the gift of God’s
grace to others?
3. God told the Magi not to return to Herod -- How,
in this New Year, can you avoid returning to old habits
that put distance between you and God?
4. What characteristics or attitudes of the Magi,
Herod, or the chief priests and scribes, do you resemble?
For Action:
Using results from question 4, work on strengthening
your love, worship and service of the Lord by eliminating
negative and heightening positive characteristics and
attitudes you have identified.
Deacon Ralph Torrelli lives in Hattiesburg and is as-
signed to St. Thomas Aquinas Parish. Visit his website:
deaconralph.com.
First Reading: Isaiah 60:1-6
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13
Second Reading: Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6
Gospel: Matthew 2:1-12
Epiphany of the Lord
Praise the Lord - I saw the Light!
Deacon Torrell
i
Sunday
Scripture
Commentaries
Gulf Pine Catholic
•
January 3, 2014
5
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