by: Deacon Paul Rooney (deaconpaul@cox.net)
The Epiphany of the Lord
(Cycle "C" - January 4, 2004)

Q. 248: There are a lot of people in this Epiphany Story (Matt 2:1-12). Which one should I focus on to grasp the intent of the author?

A. 248: There are some really interesting "characters" in the gospel scene we read about and listen to in today's gospel. First, there are the "wise men" or magi (where does it say there were only or even three?) from the East, who go out of their way and follow a star to kneel before Jesus. And they are not even Hebrews! Of course, they had been preceded by the shepherds in those nearby fields, presumably Hebrews, the first ones outside the family to kneel and adore this child Jesus - invited there by the angels. Then there is King Herod, who was "troubled" by the news of a newborn king of the Jews. He, too, wanted to "travel" to see this newborn king - but not to kneel; his reason is quite different for wanting feedback from the magi. Finally, there are the chief priests and scribes who know where the new ruler would be born, according to the prophecies - but they made no move at all to go, see, and kneel in his presence.

The last "character" in the episode is You. You are not simply a silent observer, being entertained by a good story. On the contrary, you are being invited into the scene. You are being asked to choose a role, one that is to stay with you for the rest of your life. This very same Jesus wants a personal relationship with you! So make your choice. Will you go out of our way to kneel before Jesus, and not just on Sundays? Will you accept the invitation to put aside for a few moments your duties in the nearby fields, and come adore Him? Or, will you go out of your way to reject him - perhaps by rejecting those through whom he sends his Truth, the Pope and the Magisterium of the Church - becoming a Herod in miniature? Finally, maybe you don't want a Messiah, or this "worship stuff" is boring to you, or you don't want to change your ways - so you make no move at all towards Jesus?

Know Your Catechism! We need to respond to the Presence of God in our history through the Incarnation, now revealed publicly to all in the Epiphany event (CCC #1171). This feast day celebration is special, because it shows the pagans coming to do homage, the "first fruits of the nations" (CCC #528). It is only by turning towards the Jews and accepting the messianic promise from and through them, that we are "worthy of the heritage of Israel" (ibid). Our life now becomes one of following Jesus and growing into his image.

Deacon Paul Rooney
Mary Our Queen Parish, Omaha