06/01/2009 - Epiphany of the Lord
1st. Reading Is 60,1-6 Psalm 71 2nd. Reading Eph 3,2-3.5-6 Gospel Mt
2,1-12
'Infanzia' Mission Day
The prophet Isaiah speaks of light, a light that shines in the darkness of
the world, a light that comes from above to show the beauty and the greatness
of God. "Darkness cover the earth", but "over you the glory of
the Lord shall shine"! This light is so amazing that it shall draw the
attention of all peoples, and shall not only draw them but shall make them part
of it in its adoration. Even pagan peoples shall recognize that that light is
of God, and therefore shall come with their offerings of their sacrifices symbolized
in the gold and the incense.
The Gospel Reading realizes the canticle of the Prophet. The light and the star
that lead the men to the infant in his Mother's arm, enlightens and shows his
presence. The peoples are represented by the Magi who journey guided by that
star that with its light fills with joy and hope. The darkness is the hatred
of the terrorist Herod and the terrorist act he planed for the inhabitants of
Jerusalem. The gold and the incense of the peoples are the gifts presented by
the Magi, gifts with rich meanings. The evangelist did not reveal them to us,
inviting us to use our fantasy, love and commitment to discover them. But they
are like the parables that will be told in various occasions by Jesus: occasions
to see how our love can grow from that encounter with God. Gold, incense, myrrh
fills the caskets of those men who were journeying; they have followed their
discoveries that to us could be fake. But their intention was serious, their
desire was inspired by God, their commitment was total. God putted them on that
road that was to lead them to another one that of reading the Holy Scriptures.
To this they arrived thanks to a man sick of power, Herod, even though he was
sinner.
The message of the Gospel of today's feast tells has a lot to tell us and the
world. It is called "the manifestation" of the Lord: Jesus without
doing or saying anything, is recognized in his divine royalty by men of far
away lands. These knew how to become little to adore an infant held in his mother's
arms after they have listened to the light of a star and to the words of a Scripture
which does not belong to them.
What can one learn?
First and foremost that Jesus is worthy to be searched with all the means we
can; but we cannot arrive alone to him without the help of others.
Creations lead us to him, but more the Sacred Scriptures: this is the Guide
without which we cannot move.
The Scripture retain their value as Word of God even if it is spoken by sinners
who do not live it.
Our treasures are priceless when they get emptied in the hands of Jesus!
Gold in our hands may be the cause of jealousy and power, violence and death;
in the hands of Jesus it is a gift and sign of love.
Incense and myrrh, symbols of honor and human glory, reach their meaning when
they are given by Jesus.
Those who meet Jesus need to know that they can find him in the hands of a woman,
his mother. The dignity of woman is not in being a woman instead of man, but
in being able to offer the Child who is to save the world!
Those who adore Jesus are not to expect privileges in this world, neither health
or honors: those who adore the Child are to be ready to carry with him the cross,
by hiding themselves from the great and rich not to become enemies of the one
they have adored.
St. Paul, writing to the Ephesians, helps us to appreciate the great gift that
has been given to us with the revelation of Jesus: it is the mystery that puts
us in communion with one another to be one body and enjoy the love of the Father.
Those born outside the Christian sphere is more incline to appreciate this gift
than those who have always lived in the Church. Those who did not know love
can appreciate the proclamation of the love of the Father in Jesus, more than
those who have always lived it and hence take it for granted. To know that the
Father loves us, and to know it for sure thanks to Jesus, is the light and the
strength that help us to feel brothers and sisters and friends of one another.
Let us therefore run towards the Infant: there is also a star and a word for
us to direct us on our way!