January 5, 2020 The Feast of the Epiphany

January 5, 2020 - The Feast of the Epiphany - A

Reading I: Isaiah 60:1-6
Psalm 72
Reading II: Ephesians 3: 2-3a, 5-6
Gospel: Matthew 2:1-12

The word 'Epiphany' means a manifestation, showing, or revelation. This feast celebrates God revealing himself through his Son, the God-man, Jesus, in the form of a human Infant. He shows himself to the simple and the poor in the shepherds and to the learned and the rich in the Magi. He manifests Himself to the Jews and the gentiles (non-Jews). We learn that God wishes to reveal himself to all peoples. All are his beloved children.

Through the years, we see God revealed in his people who have been created in his image and likeness. At Christmas time, ideally, we see the love of God manifested in the kindness of people to their families and those in need. Christmas lights dispel darkness and remind us that like the Child Jesus, we are to bring light to our world.

Henry Van Dyke wrote a beautiful Christmas Story which illustrates this truth. It is one of my favorites: The Other Wise Man. Artaban had hoped to join the three Magi in their search for the new-born King, but he misses the caravan. Therefore, he sets out on his own, but it is too late to see the Infant Jesus. Joseph and Mary had to leave Bethlehem to escape with Jesus because Herod, wanted to destroy him.  

Nonetheless, while Artaban is in Bethlehem, he bribes a soldier who is about to kill a male baby on Herod's behalf. Herod fears that a young king of the Jews might replace him. Can you imagine the relief of the mother that her child is spared as a result of the kindness of Artaban who brings light into a very dark situation?

For thirty-three years, Artaban continues his search but thinks that he has not found him. Nevertheless,  on the journey, he helps many poor and troubled people. Finally, in Jerusalem, he finds the adult Jesus, the King of the Jews, being crucified. He is about to give his treasured pearl as a ransom for Jesus, but he witnesses a young girl being sold into slavery to pay debts of her family.  His heart is touched and he gives the pearl he had intended to give the Infant Jesus to buy her freedom.

Suddenly, the earth quakes as Jesus dies on the cross. Artaban is hit by a large rock. As he lays dying, he hears a voice saying, "When you helped the least of my children, you helped me." During all those years of searching for Jesus, Artaban has been making God present to those in need.  

This story brings to life the lesson Jesus taught about the Last Judgement, as recorded in Matthew's Gospel Chapter 25: 1-46. I am sure that the Lord Jesus must appreciate Henry Van Dyke's deep understanding of and powerful illustration of his important lesson.

Reflection Question: How can I be a light in the darkness for some child of God in need?

Spanish Translation

Lectura I: Isaiah 60:1-6
Salmo 72
Lectura II: Efesios 3: 2-3a, 5-6
Evangelio: Mateo 2:1-12

La palabra 'Epifanía' significa una manifestación, demostración o revelación. Esta fiesta celebra a Dios revelándose a través de su Hijo, el Dios-hombre, Jesús, en la forma de un Niño humano. Se muestra a los simples y pobres en los pastores y a los eruditos y ricos en los Magos. Se manifiesta a los judíos y a los gentiles (no judíos). Aprendemos que Dios desea revelarse a todos los pueblos. Todos son sus amados hijos.

A través de los años, vemos a Dios revelado en su pueblo que ha sido creado a su imagen y semejanza. En Navidad, idealmente, vemos el amor de Dios manifestado en la amabilidad de las personas con sus familias y con los necesitados. Las luces navideñas disipan la oscuridad y nos recuerdan que, como el Niño Jesús, debemos traer luz a nuestro mundo.

Henry Van Dyke escribió una hermosa historia de Navidad que ilustra esta verdad. Es uno de mis favoritos: The Other Wise Man. Artaban esperaba unirse a los tres Reyes Magos en su búsqueda del Rey recién nacido, pero echa de menos la caravana. Por lo tanto, se va solo, pero es demasiado tarde para ver al Niño Jesús. José y María tuvieron que abandonar Belén para escapar con Jesús porque Herodes quería destruirlo.

No obstante, mientras Artaban está en Belén, soborna a un soldado que está a punto de matar a un bebé varón en nombre de Herodes. Herodes teme que un joven rey de los judíos pueda reemplazarlo. ¿Te imaginas el alivio de la madre de que su hijo se haya salvado como resultado de la amabilidad de Artaban que trae luz a una situación muy oscura?

Durante treinta y tres años, Artaban continúa su búsqueda, pero cree que no lo ha encontrado. Sin embargo, en el viaje, ayuda a muchas personas pobres y con problemas. Finalmente, en Jerusalén, encuentra al Jesús adulto, el Rey de los judíos, siendo crucificado. Está a punto de dar su preciada perla como rescate por Jesús, pero es testigo de cómo se vende a una joven como esclava para pagar las deudas de su familia. Su corazón está conmovido y le da la perla que tenía la intención de darle al Niño Jesús para comprar su libertad.

De repente, la tierra tiembla cuando Jesús muere en la cruz. Artaban es golpeado por una gran roca. Mientras se muere, oye una voz que dice: "Cuando ayudaste al menor de mis hijos, me ayudaste a mí". Durante todos esos años de búsqueda de Jesús, Artaban ha estado haciendo que Dios esté presente para los necesitados.

Esta historia da vida a la lección que Jesús enseñó sobre el Juicio Final, como se registra en el capítulo 25: 1-46 del Evangelio de Mateo. Estoy seguro de que el Señor Jesús debe apreciar la profunda comprensión y la poderosa ilustración de Henry Van Dyke de su importante lección.

Pregunta de reflexión: ¿Cómo puedo ser una luz en la oscuridad para algún hijo de Dios necesitado?

Comments

Stephanie Morris, ASBS, Ph.D Historian, Certified Archivist, Emerita
Our personal “light” is the love God has for us that we return to Him in acts of kindness. Mother Katharine urged the Sisters to be so animated by love of God that their students sensed this love. Being so energized by this love, the Sisters’ examples would encourage the students to pass this energy unto others. The Christophers said, “It is better to light one candle than to curse the darkness.” One little bit of light can be reflected in the mirrors of others’ eyes. Being a beacon of light can start a positive chain reaction.

Pat Chiaffa, ASBS
I received a Christmas card from a friend that included the following written reflection.”

“Thinking about you this Christmas with best wishes and blessings especially for the New Year. I’m trying to center on Christ, thinking about what is more important. Then I found it in one of the sayings of St. Teresa of Calcutta: ‘It is Christmas every time you let God love others through you…yes, it is Christmas every time you smile at your brother and offer him your hand.'"

I think I’ll smile a lot in 2020. Maybe with consistency, I can make it Christmas every day for someone needing to be reminded that they are valued and loved by God.