January 02, 2011
Epiphany
"Epiphany" means "revelation." The Magi at Bethlehem, the Baptism of Jesus at the Jordan River and the Wedding Feast at Cana are all epiphanies. God's glory is revealed and our faith is deepened. I am fascinated with stars. I gaze before dawn to see the stars. Even scientists and astronomers cannot fathom the number. We are not talking millions or billions or trillions but zillions of stars! There are more stars in the universe than grains of sand on earth. It is humbling. It helps to keep things in perspective. It forces me to realize I am not the center but a spec of star dust; insignificant but loved by God. The star guides Magi to Bethlehem. The wise ones from the East are not kings but served kings by interpreting dreams and observing the alignment of stars. They follow a star that leads them to Bethlehem to pay homage to the new born king of the Jews. This happening in the beginning of Matthew's Gospel is a premonition of the expansion of the mission of Jesus to the Gentiles. Jesus will tell the Canaanite woman who begs healing for her daughter that he has come to serve the house of Israel. Her persistence prompts Jesus to heal a daughter who is not part of the Jewish community. At the end of the Gospel, Jesus, risen, commissions his disciples to baptize all nations. What is precious to the Jews will become our treasure too. Today, on this feast of the Epiphany, I am pleased to announce the date of Easter: April 24 -- the first Sunday after the full moon after the vernal equinox. Christmas is always connected to Easter. There is a purpose to Jesus' coming -- our salvation.
Previous:
The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary & Joseph
