Walking with Jesus: The Epiphany of the Lord

For Sunday, January 7, 2024

Isaiah 60:1-6; Ephesians 3:2-3, 5-6; Matthew 2:1-12

Let’s look at Biblical hermeneutics — the theory and methodology of interpretation, especially concerning the interpretation of Biblical and philisophical texts and wisdom literature. It really includes the art of understanding and communication. We look at the word ephipany which has multiple descriptions: (1) a church festival in commemoration of the coming of the Magi to Jesus at Bethlehem; (2) a sudden, striking understanding of something; and (3) a revelation, from within or without, of God’s presence seen by the repetitions of light, shine or glory … one that does not remain private but has global appeal. We can see examples in our readings:

• “Your light has come, the glory of the Lord shines upon you.” [Isaiah 60:1]
• “Then you shall be radiant at what you see, your heart shall throb and overflow.” [Isaiah 60:5]
• “You have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me … that the Gentiles are co-heirs in the … promise in Christ Jesus through the Gospel.” [Ephesians: 3:2,6]
• “And behold, the star that the Magi had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was.” [Mathew 2:9]

It would seem that epiphanies are special things for all. The Magi return to their own country probably overjoyed and full of stories and gratitude at experiencing this great miracle. I’m sure they share their story and all are amazed.

Mary and Joseph had a much different take on this event: “When they (the Magi) departed, behold the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, ‘Rise, take the child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you. Herod is going to search for the child to destroy Him.” [Matthew 2:13] And still more danger: “When Herod realized that he had been deceived by the Magi, he became furious. He ordered the massacre of all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had ascertained from the Magi.”  [Matthew 2:16]

Have your mind travel back several months with Hamas in Gaza and Israelites: killings … beheadings even of little ones ... slaughter and terror. Why? These happened in the same part of the world where the Magi visited and the Holy Family fled into Egypt.

Another image is the star. In the Near East, people commonly thought that each individual had his or her own star. Very important people were born under a special star. (We use related expressions today: “born under a lucky star” for having a favorable horoscope and future.) Consider Numbers 24:17: “A star will advance from Jacob.” They thought that when the Messiah became visible, the star of Jacob would rise and be recognized. In the first reading, Isaiah expands on this: Psalm 72 states, “The kings … shall bring tribute … kings bow before Him, all nations shall serve Him. All kings shall pay Him homage … all nations shall serve Him.”

A more important question is: What does this feast and scripture passage mean today?

The Synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark and Luke) offer ample evidence that Jesus’ primary interest is the proclamation of the Kingdom of God. The Jewish believe that the Messiah (the anointed king from the House of David) will restore and enlarge David’s kingdom, bringing prosperity, peace, justice, and the defeat of Israel’s enemies. That is not Jesus’ plan. He speaks of the kingship of God — not David — and it is the kingdom of the last times and affects all creation. It’s not about conquering enemies: It's about Satan, the devil. This brings about God’s rule which is living, caring, forgiving, and helping all. This idea of God’s kingdom occurs more than 100 times in the New Testament, some 70 of which are in the synoptics. Jesus lives the life of love in words, in actions, in sacrificing His life to show God’s total love and redeem everyone. Doing so, Jesus presents Himself as changing the governance of the world and of human life. He introduces God’s way, God’s communion, God’s dominion in place of the oppressive Satanic rule. There is one goal for all: heaven. All have been invited, all are eligible. All people created can do it: There is no possibility of failure for anyone. If we believe … if we have faith in Jesus … if we are people of total love, caring for all others, and forgiving to all.

So how am I doing today?

I now reflect on:

• There is so much goodness, care, reaching out, forgiveness and reconciling done at Christmas. But these post-Christmas periods can bring a sense of letdown, of expectations not met, hopes not realized. How might my good memories and successes carry me on in this New Year?
• Epiphany carries a sense of revealing what is hidden but nevertheless is waiting to be held by me. What am I waiting for with God for me?

Sacred Space 2024 states:

“Simeon said Jesus was ‘a light for revelation to the gentiles.’ [Luke 2:32] The arrival of the wise men was an epiphany, a manifestation of Jesus as Savior of all. King Herod wanted to safeguard his own interests. Jesus is our star, guiding us to life. May we have the faith to follow Him and to manifest Him to others.

“A king was afraid of a child. Herod saw Jesus in earthly terms as a potential opponent, thus his search was devious. In his words, may we ‘go and search diligently for the child’ so that we may offer true homage to Him as our king.”