The Epiphany - Saint Matthew 2, verses 1-12
We read this mysterious story about the three kings, which were directed by the star, searching for someone, who had come for them , for us , but was meant for all mankind.
At the Manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles , we are not really that concerned about the names the three Kings had, Caspar, Balthasar and Melchior .
We are not really that concerned , neither are we concerned about all the legendary touches ,which have been given to this story.
The Manifestation will especially make it so clear that God wants to dwell amongst the people and reveals Himself to anyone who opens their hear.
At the Epiphany we do realize that the celebration of Christmas , in our own circles, is passed by. The Manifestation of Christ indicates that God's Salvation is directed to those , who we do not consider it at facevalue or interest.
The Manifestation invites to remain searching for God and to move on and on, away of our own interests and familiar things. Like Abraham , who left his familiar surroundings and witnessed of his Faith in this way, that is the way our God likes to be found by those , who reach for him on unknown roads and are searching for a meaningful and fulfilling life.
To travellers such as Abraham and the wise men from the East a light appears, just the way as a star , which illuminates the night of those are searching.
What do we see in the star ? A direction, a light so very far, an eternal mystery, it does not really matter, as long as we look upon high.
The experience of the three wise men is something like crossing the boundaries. God's message of salvation crosses the boundaries of the people of
Israel. It is also for those , who are " outside ", well say the gentiles, who share in God's plan of salvation. The message of salvation reaches out , much further that a temple , a church, our liturgy, our catholic Faith. It workings are not on a selective basis and are not restricted to peoples, religious, and Sacraments. God is therefore present, sometimes unexpected, where people are a blessings to one another.The place where we do down on our knees to serve those who are poor , misplaced and lonely, that is the place where God is present. This broad view of the Manifestation of Christ to the gentiles is really the key when we celebrate this solemnity. It is very much up to us to witness this Salvation, which crosses the boundaries, in thought , word and deed.
The conclusion of this remarkable journey of the three wise men reminds us of something in our own lives. The three wise men were warned by God in a dream to return home a different way. This happens to us as well during our search for a useful and meaningful life, it cannot always go via a route, which is planned for everybody. Everyone follows the plan of his or her own journey to discover the real deep meaning of our lives.
"There must be a star
for everyone, who is searching
for roads and for words
in order to meet the other.
There should be a star
which teaches wisdom and purety
to discover the extraordinary qualities
of his or her fellow human being
I pray that that for everyone of you this star will shine.
Amen
Father Ed Bakker
Anglican Catholic Church / Original Province
Mission of Saint Aidan of Lindisfarne
Bendigo
Australia
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