Dear Fathers, Friends in Christ,
This is for tomorrow, Monday 6 January 2014, the feast of the Epiphany
Isaiah 60:1-6
Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13
Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6
Matthew 2:1-12
Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13
Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6
Matthew 2:1-12
The theme of the Epiphany really completes the spirit of the Mass for Christmas Day. There, Isaiah had foretold that "all the ends of the earth will behold the salvation of our God." And the Gospel for that Mass promised that all people would eventually be the chosen ones. "To those who did accept Him, He gave power to become children of God." And now, on the Epiphany, the light from the skies is intensified a hundred -- even a thousandfold -- and the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled that "nations shall walk by your light, and kings by your shining radiance."
To the amazement of all in that region, there came foreign camels bearing foreign scholars -- wise men -- kings! Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar, with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh! What courage and perseverance those strangers showed, to brave the dangers of travel, skepticism, and political intrigue. But they found what they were looking for. That star gave trustworthy guidance and now triumphantly shines as guard over the lowly dwelling wherein rests the Child who possesses all meaning. They fall to their knees in homage, for their learning has made them humble, and their wisdom leads them to recognize the Divine in the fragile flesh of a child.
What a silent Adoration! What loving glances they exchange with Mary and Joseph! But for all their simple faith, their wisdom is sharp enough to detect the sham delight and murderous intentions of the wily Herod. And so they pay their respects, leave their gifts, and modestly depart for their homeland, sorrowfully aware of the terrible price justice must pay for Peace.
Their role in history has been accomplished -- to teach us all to follow the guidance of the Almighty, to accept our own role as Bearers of the Light, and to follow this Christ into His Mission, to partake of His Passion, and to join the millions through the ages who will preach His Gospel of universal salvation.
The Son of God is the one Judge and Arbiter of Truth and the one Source of Light, but we are all called to be "epiphanies," providing glimpses of that Truth, showing the way in our own small spots of time and circumstance to a larger plan and destiny.
O Princely Child,
make of us, all wise and courageous men and women, obedient children who will follow wherever you lead us.
make of us, all wise and courageous men and women, obedient children who will follow wherever you lead us.
That means being faithful to prayer
This is the way for us to be light-bearers, helping banish the darkness and the confusion in the world in which we live.
Amen.
Father Ed Bakker
Anglican Catholic Church / Original Province
Mission of Saint Aidan of Lindisfarne
Bendigo
Australia
