January 03, 2021
Epiphany
On Tuesday, returning from St. Luke’s Mission of Mercy, around 5:15 PM, I saw a magnificent full moon – called the Cold Moon or Wolf Moon by Native Americans when packs of wolves howled in the dark night and deep snow. With artificial lights and cloudy weather, we do not always observe the stars and planets. Darkness in the past prevailed before streetlamps. Our ancestors were more attentive watchers of the constellations of stars, the cycles of the moon and alignments of planets like the “Great Conjunction†that occurred on December 21, 2020. In the ancient world, star watching foretold happenings on earth.
In the 2nd chapter of the Gospel according to St. Matthew, Magi from the East, perhaps Persia, follow the light of a star to Bethlehem. The evangelist sees fulfillment of Isaiah, “The Lord shines on you… Nations shall walk by your light… come to you from afar.†The Wise ones or Astrologers are led first to Jerusalem to inquire about the “newborn king of the Jews.†But the child they seek is not to be found in a place of power. The child’s existence threatens King Herod. Away from the Holy City, the star at its rising proceeds them to Bethlehem, to a house, to a child and Mary, his mother. The magi pay homage and offer gifts.
Pope Emeritus Benedict writes of an interior enlightenment within the magi. They are searching for the transcendent meaning of life and the mystery of God. The light of the star shines in the night sky and in their minds and hearts. They are God seekers. St. Paul is a steward of God’s grace and recipient of the revelation promised in Christ Jesus. Paul writes to the Ephesians that they are called to hear the good news of being coheirs and copartners with the Jews in receiving God’s salvation and mercy in Christ.
In the Gospel according to St. Luke, Angels announce the birth of Jesus to locals, Jewish shepherds, and invite them to go to Bethlehem. In the Gospel according to St. Matthew, the star guides Gentiles, those far away, to Bethlehem. Both the shepherds and magi are changed as they return home to their flocks, and to their distant land. Shepherds leave “glorifying and praising God for all they heard and see.†The magi “having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, depart for their country by another way.†Every Christmas we return to Bethlehem to discover/rediscover the deeper meaning of the Incarnation. Our coming to Bethlehem during the pandemic is relevant. We are reassured that we are not alone. God is with us. Close at hand. This revelation is the source of our joy and new resolve to face challenges in 2021.
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Holy Family of Jesus, Mary & Joseph
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Baptism of the Lord
