The Epiphany of the Lord January 7, 2024

Readings: Is 60, 1-6; Eph 3, 2-3.5-6; Mt 2, 1-12

Today God reveals himself to us because he is good and loving. The light that shines forth upon us today is the light of life from which we ourselves must get our own light and reflect it unto others. Today, Christ further demonstrates the extent of his love by allowing himself to illumine the darkness of our lives. 

The three wise kings came to adore and offer gifts to the new born king, Jesus Christ. First, the three kings offered a genuine worship to Christ, the King of kings. So, our worship must be sincere like theirs. It must not be like the false proposal of king Herod.

Second, we must be ready to offer Jesus something. We must not appear before the Lord empty handed. So, we must ask ourselves today, what will I offer the Lord for his goodness to me? The best gift to offer to God is the gift of oneself, the gift of love, the gift of obedience, the gift of humility, the gift of peace, and the gift of sacrifice. Also, we must learn to be generous to others as the three wise kings were to Jesus.

Another lesson that we must learn from the wise kings is that, we must continue to follow the star and light that Christ shows us. That is, we must not allow ourselves to be deceived or distracted on our journey by the many Herods of this world.

Trusting that God will not mislead us, we must continue to watch out for the star and light of Christ that will guide us to eternity. Any time we are confused, or come to the cross road of life, we must seek and wait until the star of Christ appears to show us the way we must follow.

Fr. Terry.