Epiphany of the Lord

 

Praise be to Jesus Christ

 

We meet again today after the New Year eve, and Solemnity of Mother Mary.

It is good to see you often.  I pray that God blesses our gathering and lead us toward a path of peace.  

 

Today is the Epiphany of the Lord.

It is the official revelation of our savior, an infant who is in a manger.  Even though Jesus is the focus, the three kings are the main characters in today’s story.  

 

The three kings observed, marched, and presented their gifts.  Parishioners also observe God, arrive at a church, and present the gifts.  You also represent the kings and are the main characters today.  As we study the actions of the kings, we need to reflect on our lives.  

 

Most of us are too busy with our daily lives such that it is difficult to observe God.  How do you dream of and yearn for God; do we understand what He gives us?  Or are we swayed by the worldly waves as the branches flutter by the wind?  

 

The three kings were not satisfied with following the worldly flow.  They understood that they must have high goals in order to live a true life; they always focused on the heaven.  They observed the sky and found a star.  

 

Upon discovering a star, the three kings started their journey.  They were not afraid but confident in their resolve.  Jesus reveals himself to those who seek him.  In order to meet Jesus you must explore.  You cannot just wait for him but take a risk and reach out.  Do not be stationery but move forward.  Jesus demands that we leave behind all the comforts and stand up; move away from the comfort of warmth.  

 

The three kings worship then offer their gifts.  Gold represent king, incense God, and myrrh both life and death.  They are appropriate for a king and God.  They did not ask anything in return.  Let us think about giving without receiving anything in return.  Taking care of the sick, supporting those who are in need are gifts God would be pleased with.  In addition, taking care of those we are not in agreement with and forgiving those who harm us are also good gifts.  These are free gifts with nothing in return and are essential in Christian lives.  Jesus says: “even the non-believers also love those who love them.”  

 

As I focused on the words of Pope Francis, I reflected on the Epiphany of the Lord: three kings observed, walked, and offered.  I hope we can compare our lives to the actions of the three kings this coming week.