Epiphany ... Who are you looking for?

“The people who walked in darkness

have seen a great light;

upon those who dwelt in the land 

of gloom

     a light has shone.”      Isaiah 9:1

We live in uncertain times … not the first time.  With unrest, turmoil in the world … at home and abroad, know these words are as true today as they were 750 BC. 

“Fear is a terrible thing.  It cripples us into passivity.  It ruins our memories of past or present events, and it undermines dignified, trusting, and respectful relationships.  … to any degree that fear rules our lives, let’s hear God’s greeting this Christmas:   ‘Do not be afraid,’ and take some risks in our faith, hope, and love.” — Richard Leonard, SJ.  

From this initial reading from Isaiah introducing Midnight Mass through Matthew’s gospel for the Epiphany, I find rich interludes of hope. 

     Found no where else in scripture, in twelve verses, Matthew writes a story of searching, fear, and wonder.  The Feast of the Epiphany is about signs, … ecumenism, … the Universal Church, not about facts and science.  After reading the story each season, I find myself asking numerous questions:  

Why did the stargazers who had been guided from the east to Jerusalem stop to ask Herod, of all people, for directions?  

If the star had been doing such an effective job, then why didn’t it simply take them all the way to the manger?  In addition, why use a dream to lead them out of danger instead of the star they had been following?

If Herod thought the wise men had revealed a threat to his throne in another ruler, then why didn’t Herod follow the astrologers or at least send a spy to track them?

Though many stories have been composed about them, the Magi disappeared as quickly as they came.  They recognized Jesus for who he was.  Why didn’t they stay and share their discovery with others?  Where’d they go?  What happened to them?  They’re never mentioned again.

Upon considering the recent acts of terrorism, religious fanatical violence in Paris and San Bernardino, I’ve read Matthew’s story with a different lens.  Matthew wrote for a Jewish audience, a chosen people of Israel.  They longed to be in the presence of the Messiah. Yet, it is Gentiles from three different lands along with shepherds, people living on the fringes, who are among the first to recognize Jesus as “the newborn king of the Jews.”  Familiar with the words of the prophets, the Magi recognize the infant for who he is.   Do we dialogue with those of other faiths or those who may negate the existence of God and find new significance in our relationship with our Creator and others?  Do we recognize the Spirit of Jesus in others?

The Magi’s encounter with the star is an encounter with the Almighty.  During their journey, these men are immersed in nature and take meaning and guidance from it.  How often are we inspired, perhaps overwhelmed with our encounters with the outside world?  Do we take time to ponder?

As I introduced with Isaiah, fear challenges our lives as Christians, as all people of faith of any kind in ecumenism.  In the weeks to come during another year of life, we are asked to respond in new growth in our relationship with Jesus.  Will our response be similar to that of Herod’s; a fear of letting go, … a fear of surrendering control or power, … becoming manipulative or deceitful, … abusing our position of influence for personal welfare?  

As wise men and women who have encountered the newborn king in a manger; with integrity, we must act intelligently and respectfully with power; stay focused and committed to our journey; believe in dreams; and pray that we are never so arrogant as to limit how we think God works in our world such that we miss experiencing the very essence of a loving God we long to behold!