The Epiphany of the Lord

In todays gospel we hear the well-known story of the wise men following a star, bearing rich gifts, finding Jesus in a stable, and changing their direction as a result. In the aftermath of the 12 days of Christmas the rich message of this story can be lost in the discarded wrapping paper of the gifts already received. They came from a rich oriental background and they brought gifts fit for a king. What a shock is must have been for them, then, to discover not a luxurious palace and servants in waiting but a stable and a baby lying in a bed of straw. What would we have done if we were in their shoes? Laughed, cried, lost our temper, stormed out? Or would we have seen the light as the wise men did? They saw and they believed that this child was the hoped for Messiah. They saw with believing eyes not like Herod who could not believe. They could see because they had open hearts and open minds to the presence of God and it changed their lives. On our journey of faith we sometimes find it hard to believe, we sometimes do not allow the message of God to take root and change our lives, sometimes we find it hard to accept a change in plans in our lives. If you want to make God laugh tell him your plans – Gods way are not our ways. Many times we have learned the lesson that we are in God’s hands, that he is in charge whether we agree with that or not. Like the wise men we sometimes have to change the direction of our lives because of some unexpected news or circumstances beyond our control. Like the wise men we musty trust that God will bring us to happy and peaceful ending. Nollaig na Mban.

What if, instead of God sending three wise men he had sent three wise women?

  • They would have stopped and asked for directions.
  • They would have been on time.
  • They would have prepared the stable
  • They would have helped deliver the baby
  • They would have made a stew
  • They would have brought diapers as a gift rather than perfume

Epiphany means made manifest to show forth. God is made manifest for those throughout the world who can open their hearts and minds and eyes to see and believe. Let us open our minds, hearts, and eyes and treasure the wonderful news that the mystery of Christmas means for this world and for each one of us.