Epiphany
01/02/2011
Matthew 2, 1 - 12 (p. 312)
In the time of the Christmas feast of the Epiphany enables us to deepen the mystery of the incarnation. For Epiphany goes beyond the popular image of the Magi ... we do not find in the text of Matthew, he is content to speak of the Magi from the East. The Gospel of this feast was indeed a theological significance of wealth. One of the questions that answers this story could be: Who came to see the child Jesus? We know from Luke that were originally shepherds around Bethlehem: simple people, poor, probably illiterate. The shepherds did not enjoy a good reputation among the people of Israel. Still, the only Jews who came to the crib it is them. The mysterious Magi from the East are somehow at odds with the shepherds of Bethlehem: they are scholars, scientists, and wealthy people in addition to non-Jews therefore pagan. When we read the Gospels so we see the baby Jesus with only the shepherds and the Magi. This means that Jesus came to be the savior of all. He is Emmanuel, God with us, not only for Jews but for Gentiles. He is Emmanuel for the poor and the rich, the illiterate and the learned. He does not sort. His love is universal and knock down all borders. The Gospel of Matthew shows us a side universal love of the Father manifested in his Son and our responsibility towards each other in love. For if the Magi came to worship Jesus, how is it that the political elite and Religious Israel has not moved? Where was King Herod, the chief priests and scribes of Israel? Not only they do not move, but they were seized with anxiety by learning the birth of the Messiah of the Gentiles come to Jerusalem to seek clarification. When God finally accomplishes his promises to the fullness of time, when God takes one of us, he inspires in his people that the concern ... How is it that the birth of a child brings so much distrust and fear? And yet they knew. They had knowledge of the Scriptures, and this knowledge which enables them to answer the question of the Magi. But their religious knowledge, as perfect as it was, did not budge. It was probably a loveless knowledge. This phenomenon is repeated every day in our humanity. We know perfectly well that we should change this or that habit, adopt a more responsible, no longer tolerate the lies and injustice, but everything seems to go on as before.
Epiphany is also an opportunity for us to reflect on the signs by which God speaks to us. And of course the first big sign is that of the child in the house of Bethlehem. Because this child is God's Word made flesh. Note however, that the shepherds, the Magi and the chief priests all have been signs from God. To the shepherds an angel, a star for mages and priests Scripture. When God gives us signs to attract us to him, there are always signs adapted to what we are. The Magi did not have the same sign as the shepherds. When God gives us a sign, he never forced our freedom. We find evidence in the attitude of the chief priests who, while knowing the truth, did not act accordingly. They simply said "no" to the invitation God addressed them. Vatican II called on Christians to be alert to signs of the times for greater fidelity to God. Signs of the times may be events in the life of our world, our planet, as events known to us only in our personal lives. Faith, hope and charity we give a special light to recognize the signs of time and through them the will of God. It is by His providence that God governs our humanity. It does not take our place, we do not remove our responsibility or our freedom. But it speaks to us through his signs. When we can read in the light of faith the events of our lives and our planet, then we can discover God's providence at work. The table can sometimes seem very dark and the impression that the triumph of evil is gaining ground and could lead us to despair. However, God continues to lead by his Spirit men and women of goodwill who have such strength that charity. This is not necessarily what is most visible and most publicized but it is much more that we can not usually suspected. The priests are well placed to be witnesses, the ones who perceive in their ministry These signs of God. How many times did I marvel at the generosity, courage, perseverance of this man or woman like this, believer or unbeliever? In the Body of Christ, the Church there are unfortunately many wounds, divisions, petty ... But there is also an invaluable treasure of generosity, selflessness and commitment. Herod's royal power still could not delete the one that worried him: the child-God. Because Providence has guided the Magi and St. Joseph.
Yes, the light shines in the darkness and the darkness did not stop!
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