Breaking Open the Word
By James Cavanagh
Jan. 2: Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord
Scripture readings:
Isaiah 60:1-6
Psalm 72:1-13
Ephesians 3:2-6
Matthew 2:1-12
Theme:
One of the most important initiatives to come out of Vatican II was a renewed commitment to evangelization. “Christ is the Light of nations,” the constitution on the Church begins. “Because this is so, this Sacred Synod gathered together in the Holy Spirit eagerly desires, by proclaiming the Gospel to every creature, to bring the light of Christ to all men, a light brightly visible on the countenance of the Church.” “Epiphany” means “manifestation”. It commemorates the moment when Christ was first made manifest to the Gentiles, represented by the magi in this week’s gospel. In its original context, the passage from Isaiah in this week’s first reading hailed the return of the exiles from Babylon. The return to Jerusalem testified to the power of God and His unwavering love for His people. Jerusalem will shine with the glory of God drawing kings and nations from afar. As such, the holy city prefigures the Church. The psalm compliments the first reading and adds what is missing: Israel’s messianic King. In the second reading St. Paul explains how the Gentiles have become members of the People of God by becoming part of the Body of Christ and “copartners in the promise” thus fulfilling God’s plan. In this week’s gospel we hear the story of the magi who came to pay homage Christ. They were probably astrologers from Persia. “His star” reflects the common belief in ancient times that each person was represented by a star that appeared at his birth. The star was also a messianic sign: “A star shall come forth out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel.” (Num 24:17). Stars were also associated with angels (e.g. Rev. 1:20). Accordingly, the star represents an angel sent by God to lead the wise men to Christ.
Key verse:
“Nations shall walk by your light.” (Isaiah 60:3)
Catechism of the Catholic Church:
“The gathering together of the People of God began at the moment when sin destroyed the communion of men with God, and that of men among themselves. The gathering together of the Church is, as it were, God's reaction to the chaos provoked by sin. This reunification is achieved secretly in the heart of all peoples: ‘In every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable’ to God.” [no. 761]
Pope Benedict XVI:
“The arrival in Bethlehem of the Magi from the East to adore the newborn Messiah is a sign of the manifestation of the universal King to the peoples and to all who seek the truth. It is the beginning of a movement opposed to that of Babel: from confusion to comprehension; from dispersion to reconciliation. Thus, we discern a link between Epiphany and Pentecost: if the Nativity of Christ, who is the Head, is also the Nativity of the Church, his Body, we can see the Magi as the peoples who join the remnant of Israel.” [Homily, Jan. 6, 2008]
Life application:
The Church is the ‘universal sacrament of salvation’ which, like the star of Bethlehem, shows the way to Christ. Christ is glorified, or manifested through worship. In the Word of God Christ enlightens our minds. In the Eucharist he fills us with the radiance of his love so that he can be seen by others (Mt. 5:16). The urgency to evangelize hasn’t diminished in the least since Vatican II. Christ is made manifest to others primarily through beautiful liturgy and beautiful lives.
James Cavanagh is director of Evangelization and Catechesis for Metro-Area Parishes of the Denver Archdiocese. For information on subscribing to "Breaking Open the Word, click here. For archives click here.
