for a better understanding. February 21, 2016 The Glory in Sight Genesis 15:5-12, Psalm 27:1,7-9, Philippians 3:17-4:1 Luke 9:28-36

Transcription

1 Following the WORD for a better understanding. Second Sunday in Lent February 21, 2016 The Glory in Sight Genesis 15:5-12, Psalm 27:1,7-9, Philippians 3:17-4:1 Luke 9:28-36 We of stewardship in our own families, in our by ex In today's Gospel, we go up to the mountain with Peter, John and James. There we see Jesus "transfigured," speaking with Moses and Elijah about His "exodus." The Greek word "exodus" means "departure." But the word is chosen deliberately here to stir our remembrance of the Israelites' flight from Egypt. By His death and resurrection, Jesus will lead a new Exodus - liberating not only Israel but every race and people; not from bondage to Pharaoh, but from slavery to sin and death. He will lead all mankind, not to the territory promised to Abraham in today's First Reading, but to the heavenly commonwealth that Paul describes in today's

2 Epistle. Moses, the giver of God's law, and the great prophet Elijah, were the only Old Testament figures to hear the voice and see the glory of God atop a mountain (Exodus 24:15-18; 1 Kings 19:8-18). Today's scene closely resembles God's revelation to Moses, who also brought along three companions and whose face also shone brilliantly (Exodus 24:1; 34:29). But when the divine cloud departs in today's Gospel, Moses and Elijah are gone. Only Jesus remains. He has revealed the glory of the Trinity - the voice of the Father, the glorified Son, and the Spirit in the shining cloud. Jesus fulfills all that Moses and the prophets had come to teach and show us about God (Luke 24:27). He is the "chosen One" promised by Isaiah (Isaiah 42:1; Luke 23:35), the "prophet like me" that Moses had promised (Deuteronomy 18:15; Acts 3:22-23; 7:37). Far and above that, He is the Son of God (Psalm 2:7; Luke 3:21-23). "Listen to Him, "the Voice tells us from the cloud. If, like Abraham, we put our faith in His words, one day we too will be delivered into "the land of the living" that we sing of in today's Psalm. We will share in His resurrection, as Paul promises, our lowly bodies glorified like His. However, some THE POPE VISITS MEXICO Pope Francis' visit to Mexico so far has been marked by big events: meetings with heads of state, Masses delivered to enormous crowds. But one small moment captured his attention and brought a whole room to silence. After returning from a visit to the impoverished and dangerous city of Ecatepec on Sunday, the pope paid what is a customary visit to a children's hospital. He toured the Federico Gómez hospital, waving to crowds, hugging and kidding with children in wheelchairs and giving a short speech. The pope heard a spontaneous "Ave Maria" from a girl at Federico Gómez children's hospital, Feb. 14, Then, while blessing people as he passed through the room, he met one girl who wore a blue scarf around her head, which appeared to be bald. The two embraced and exchanged quiet words. Then the girl began to sing. The hymn "Ave Maria" echoed through the room. By the third line, the surrounding chatter fell silent, except for a crying baby in the background. All eyes turned toward the girl. As the song continued, the pope gazed at her, and those surrounding him wiped away tears as the girl's pitch-perfect a cappella delivery ended. The National Catholic Reporter and other media identified the girl as Alexia Garduno Aladro. During the visit, the pope addressed the room and invoked the Bible story of Simeon, an old man who was moved by meeting Jesus as a young child. "See, the child Jesus brought him two things," the pope said. "A sense of appreciation and a desire to bless." He blessed the doctors and staff at the hospital, as well as the children. At the end of the address, he thanked them, and added, "And please, do not forget to pray for me. Do not forget!"

3 of what Lent is all about, and we may even appreciate what we are supposed to be doing to prepare for Easter. In today s readings we find the examples and the models we should be following. The First Reading comes to us from the Book of Genesis. It relates how God reminded Abram of the promises made to him. God offers us reminders all the time of the promises He makes to us as well. God knows we need to be reminded. Many times we have reflected how important it is to trust in the Lord. This reading shows how Abram still had doubts. We, too, may share those doubts when it comes to the Lord s promises. Abram and God make a divine covenant. We have a divine covenant with God also. It begins with our Baptism. Most of us know that St. Paul is an excellent example of stewardship for us. In his letter to the Philippians, from which our Second Reading is drawn, Paul invites us to be imitators of him, but he also points out that there are many others to whom we can look to see how we should live: Observe those who thus conduct themselves according to the model you have in us. During this Lenten season it is a good time for us to identify those around us who live lives of faith and sacrifice and love, and then to attempt to do something in our lives which is similar. Paul points out that we are citizens of heaven. That may be a difficult concept for us because that means we are not citizens of earth, but aliens here. Nevertheless, that is exactly the case for us as Christians, especially as we prepare for Christ s Resurrection His redemption of us. Were you aware that Caesars, the rulers of the Roman Empire, were also referred to as Lords and very careful to make it clear to us that as citizens of Heaven something like the Roman Empire, we have but one Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. That, too, should be part of our reflections during Lent. Finally, our Gospel Reading recounts Christ s Transfiguration. Our Catholic Catechism explains the Transfiguration in this way: Christ s Transfiguration aims at strengthening the apostles faith in anticipation of His Passion: the ascent into the mountains prepares for the ascent to Calvary. Christ, Head of the Church, manifests what His Body contains and radiates the sacraments: the hope of glory

4 ilies, and certainly in the world. However, some of those examples come to us through Holy Scripture. We may have an intellectual understanding of what Lent is all about, and we may even appreciate what we are supposed to be doing to prepare for Easter. In today s readings we find the examples and the models we should be following. The First Reading comes to us from the Book of Genesis. It relates how God reminded Abram of the promises made to him. God offers us reminders all the time of the promises He makes to us as well. God knows we need to be reminded. Many times we have reflected how important it is to trust in the Lord. This reading shows how Abram still had doubts. We, too, may share those doubts when it comes to the Lord s promises. Abram and God make a divine covenant. We have a divine covenant with God also. It begins with our Baptism. Most of us know that St. Paul is an excellent example of stewardship for us. In his letter to the Philippians, from which our Second Reading is drawn, Paul invites us to be imitators of him, but he also points out that there are many others to whom we can look to see how we should live: Observe those who thus conduct themselves according to the model you have in us. During this Lenten season it is a good time for us to identify those around us who live lives of faith and sacrifice and love, and then to attempt to do something in our lives which is similar. Paul points out that we are citizens of heaven. That may be a difficult concept for us because that means we are not citizens of earth, but aliens here. Nevertheless, that is exactly the case for us as Christians, especially as we prepare for Christ s Resurrection His redemption of us. Were you aware that Caesars, the rulers of the Roman Empire, were also referred to as Lords and Saviors. Paul is very careful to make it clear to us that as citizens of Heaven rather than of something like the Roman Empire, we have but one Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. That, too, should be part of our reflections during Lent. Finally, our Gospel Reading recounts Christ s Transfiguration. Our Catholic Catechism explains the Transfiguration in this way: Christ s Transfiguration aims at strengthening the apostles faith in anticipation of His Passion: the ascent into the mountains prepares for the ascent to Calvary. Christ, Head of the Church, manifests what His Body contains

5 and radiates the sacraments: the hope of glory. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 568). Christ s divinity, His Transfiguration, is proclaimed to catechumens and baptized alike. St. Thomas Aquinas stated in his Summa Theologiae At His transfiguration Christ showed His disciples the splendor of His beauty, to which He will shape and color those who are His. He will reform our lowness configured to the Body of His glory. As significant as the Transfiguration was and is, that is exactly the basic point of this Gospel and all of our readings for today: each of us is called to conversion. We, too, must reach an understanding that what we do now, what we prepare for now, and how we live now, is all a prelude to something so glorious it is beyond our ability to fully comprehend.

6 The meaning of today's Liturgy is subtle and many-layered. We need background to understand what's happening in today's First Reading. Babylon having been defeated, King Cyrus of Persia decreed that the exiled Jews could return home to Jerusalem. They rebuilt their ruined temple (Ezra 6:15-17) and under Nehemiah finished rebuilding the city walls (Nehemiah 6:15). The stage was set for the renewal of the covenant and the re-establishment of the Law of Moses as the people's rule of life. That's what's going on in today's First Reading, as Ezra reads and interprets (Nehemiah 8:8) the Law and the people respond with a great "Amen!" Israel, as we sing in today's Psalm, is rededicating itself to God and His Law. The scene seems like the Isaiah prophecy that Jesus reads from in today's Gospel. Read all of Isaiah 61. The "glad tidings" Isaiah brings include these promises: the liberation of prisoners (61:1); the rebuilding of Jerusalem, or Zion (61:3-4; Isaiah 60:10); the restoration of Israel as a kingdom of priests (61:6; Exodus 19:6) and the forging of an everlasting covenant (61:8; Isaiah 55:3). It sounds a lot like the First Reading. Jesus, in turn, declares that Isaiah's prophecy is fulfilled in Him. The Gospel scene, too, recalls the First Reading. Like Ezra, Jesus stands before the people, is handed a scroll, unrolls it, then reads and interprets it (Luke 4:16-17,21 and Nehemiah 8:2-6,8-10). We witness in today's Liturgy the creation of a new people of God. Ezra started reading at dawn of the first day of the Jewish new year (see Leviticus 23:24). Jesus too proclaims a "Sabbath," a great year of Jubilee, a deliverance from slavery to sin, a release from the debts we owe to God (Leviticus 25:10). The people greeted Ezra "as one man." And, as today's Epistle teaches, in the Spirit the new people of God - the Church - is made "one body" with Him. Sunday Readings: The first reading is taken from the Book of Nehemiah, 8:2-4a, 5-6, Nehemiah and Ezra lived in the time when the people of Israel had been returned to their land after the years of the Babylonian Captivity and it was a time of rebuilding. The people had lost their connections to their faith. The second reading is from the first Letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians, 12:12-30 and refers to the Mystical Body of Christ. St. Paul concludes his description of the different parts of the body by applying it to the Church, where variety of functions does not detract from unity. The Gospel is from St. Luke 1:1-4; 4: In the first four verses of St. Luke's Gospel which have been read to you today, you will find reason to be grateful to him. He went to a lot of trouble in order to put in a permanent form, in a written record, the essential facts concerning Christ, his words and his works, so that we "would understand the certainty of the faith in which we have been instructed. "But while we must be grateful to St. Luke, we owe a

7 bigger debt of gratitude still to the all-good, all-wise God who moved Luke and the other Evangelists to preserve for us in writing the essential truths of the Christian faith that has been handed down to us. The Apostles were companions of Christ. They witnessed his works and his words; they remembered most of his doings and his sayings, and what they might have forgotten the Holy Spirit recalled to their memory on that first Pentecost day in Jerusalem. The first two generations of Christians received the facts of the faith from these eye-witnesses and the miracles so frequent in the infant Church were confirmation of the truth of their teaching. But God in his wisdom provided for the many generations to come who would not have this evident confirmation of their faith. He established a teaching body in his Church which would safeguard the purity of the Christian truths, for "he himself would be with it all days," and he gave us a written record of the facts of the faith in the Gospels and the ether writings of the New Testament. How can we ever thank God sufficiently for his thoughtfulness in our regard? We Christians of today can be as certain, as assured, of the truth of the faith that we are trying to practice as was St. Luke who was converted by St. Paul. We have a living, teaching Magisterium in the Church, which authentically preserves and interprets for us the true facts of Christ's teaching and works as written down for us by a first-generation Christian under the impulse and guidance of God's Holy Spirit. If we needed further proof of the priceless value of our New Testament Books, the virulent attacks on their authenticity, on their objectivity, and on their veracity, by enemies of the faith down to and including our own day, should be sufficient. But they have stood the test of time and the onslaughts of biased, prejudiced criticism, for they are the word of truth, which is eternal, and comes from God. We have a priceless gift of God in the inspired Books of the Bible.

8 The Baptism of the Lord Today officially brings our Christmas season to a close. Prior to being elected Pope Benedict XVI, Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger was the Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith. In that role he said this about isisaiah 42:1-4,6-7 (or Acts 10:34-38 or Is 40:1-5, 9-11 or Ti 2:11-14; 3:4-7) Psalm 29:1-4, 9-10 (or Ps 104:1-4, 24-25, 27-30) Luke 3:15-16, The Liturgy last week revealed the mystery of God's plan - that in Jesus all peoples, symbolized by the Magi, have been made "co-heirs" to the blessings promised Israel. This week, we're shown how we claim our inheritance. Jesus doesn't submit to John's baptism as a sinner in need of purification. He humbles Himself to pass through Jordan's waters in order to lead a new "exodus" - opening up the promised land of heaven so that all peoples can hear the words pronounced over Jesus today, words once reserved only for Israel and its king: that each of us is a beloved son or daughter of God (see Genesis 22:2; Exodus 4:22; Psalm 2:7). Jesus is the chosen servant Isaiah prophesies in today's First Reading, anointed with the Spirit to make things right and just on earth. God puts His Spirit upon Jesus to make Him "a covenant of the people," the liberator of the captives, the light to the nations. Jesus, today's Second Reading tells us, is the One long expected in Israel, "anointed...with the Holy Spirit and power." The word Messiah means "one anointed" with God's Spirit. King David was "the anointed of the God of Jacob" (see 2 Samuel 23:1-17; Psalm 18:51; 132:10,17). The prophets taught Israel to await a royal offshoot of David, upon whom the Spirit would rest (see Isaiah 11:1-2; Daniel 9:25). That's why the crowds are so anxious at the start of today's Gospel. But it isn't John they're looking for. God confirms with His own voice what the Angel earlier told Mary - Jesus is the Son of the

9 Most High, come to claim the throne of David forever (see Luke 1:32-33). In the Baptism that He brings, the voice of God will hover over the waters as fiery flame, as we sing in today's Psalm. He has sanctified the waters, made them a passage-way to healing and freedom - a fountain of new birth and everlasting life. m was part of the Christmas season: It is the continuation officially brings our Christmas season to a close. Prior to being elected Pope Benedict XVI, Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger was the Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith. In that role he said this about why the Lord s Baptism was part of the Christmas season: It is the continuation of the manifestation of the Word of God, which is what Christmas is all about. As we celebrate Christ s Baptism today, we also renew our own Baptisms, and are called to recognize the parallels as they apply to our own lives. Our First Reading from the Prophet Isaiah is part of a section called by some scholars The Servant s Song. The Servant is, of course, Jesus Christ. God speaks to us in anticipation of Jesus Baptism as reported in our Gospel from St. Luke today. Here is my servant whom I uphold, my chosen one with whom I am pleased, upon whom I have put my spirit. Jesus is not just an example to us. He is our Servant. He came to serve us and continues to do so through His love for us. He provides us with care, guidance, and intercession. His call to be a Servant was realized in His Baptism. We received that same call at our own Baptism. That is the call to service we appreciate as stewardship, the call to love and serve one another. The Second Reading from the Acts of the Apostles is part of the brief sermon given by St. Peter at the house of Cornelius. Peter was very consistent in his sermons. He did not change them based upon the audience. He speaks that all people are saved by Christ; he emphasizes the work of the Lord. In today s reading Peter points out that Jesus ministry began in Galilee after the Baptism. Cornelius and most of those present were Gentiles. That is why Peter makes it clear that Jesus is Lord of all. What is implied in St. Peter s words (and is reported in today s Gospel) is that Jesus was baptized as a way to identify with us. Jesus was

10 anointed with the Holy Spirit and the power associated with that. God was with Him, just as the Lord is always with us. In keeping with the First Reading Jesus is foretold by the Prophets. Through our own Baptisms we received the power of the Holy Spirit; we received Jesus as our constant companion; and God has expected and called us also. We need to work to respond. Christ s Baptism is reported in detail in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. Although the Baptism is not detailed in the Gospel of John, the entire Gospel of John begins with Jesus public ministry and makes reference to Christ s Baptism as what launched Jesus ministry. St. John the Baptist says in John Chapter 1 basically this, I baptize with water, but He baptizes with the Holy Spirit. Biblical scholars point to Jesus Baptism as the first indication of the Holy Trinity; Jesus, the Son, is present; when He is baptized, the Holy Spirit descends upon Him; and God announces from the Heavens, You are my I am well pleased. Even though the Baptism of the Lord is reported in effect in all Gospels, St. Luke includes one seemingly minor but significant addition in today s Gospel. Luke writes, After all the people had been baptized, and Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended upon Him. St. Luke is the only Gospel writer who reports that Jesus was praying during His Baptism. Luke s gospel is filled with references to Christ praying. It is something of which we need to take note. We are called to pray; we are called to serve; we need to pray for God s guidance in how we can serve, how we can live out our Baptismal vows most effectively. ings our Christmas season to a close. Prior to being elected Pope Benedict XVI, Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger was the Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith. In that role he said this about why the Lord s Baptism was part of the Christmas season: It is the continuation of the manifestation of the Word of God, which is what Christmas is all about. As we celebrate Christ s Baptism today, we also renew our own Baptisms, and are called to recognize the parallels as they apply to our own lives. Our First Reading from the Prophet Isaiah is part of a section called by some scholars The Servant s Song. The Servant is, of

11 course, Jesus Christ. God speaks to us in anticipation of Jesus Baptism as reported in our Gospel from St. Luke today. Here is my servant whom I uphold, my chosen one with whom I am pleased, upon whom I have put my spirit. Jesus is not just an example to us. He is our Servant. He came to serve us and continues to do so through His love for us. He provides us with care, guidance, and intercession. His call to be a Servant was realized in His Baptism. We received that same call at our own Baptism. That is the call to service we appreciate as stewardship, the call to love and serve one another. The Second Reading from the Acts of the Apostles is part of the brief sermon given by St. Peter at the house of Cornelius. Peter was very consistent in his sermons. He did not change them based upon the audience. He speaks that all people are saved by Christ; he emphasizes the work of the Lord. In today s reading Peter points out that Jesus ministry began in Galilee after the Baptism. Cornelius and most of those present were Gentiles. That is why Peter makes it clear that Jesus is Lord of all. What is implied in St. Peter s words (and is reported in today s Gospel) is that Jesus was baptized as a way to identify with us. Jesus was anointed with the Holy Spirit and the power associated with that. God was with Him, just as the Lord is always with us. In keeping with the First Reading Jesus is foretold by the Prophets. Through our own Baptisms we received the power of the Holy Spirit; we received Jesus as our constant companion; and God has expected and called us also. We need to work to respond. Christ s Baptism is reported in detail in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. Although the Baptism is not detailed in the Gospel of John, the entire Gospel of John begins with Jesus public ministry and makes reference to Christ s Baptism as what launched Jesus ministry. St. John the Baptist says in John Chapter 1 basically this, I baptize with water, but He baptizes with the Holy Spirit. Biblical scholars point to Jesus Baptism as the first indication of the Holy Trinity; Jesus, the Son, is present; when He is baptized, the Holy Spirit descends upon Him;

12 and God announces from the Heavens, You are my beloved Son am well pleased. Even though the Baptism of the Lord is reported in effect in all Gospels, St. Luke includes one seemingly minor but significant addition in today s Gospel. Luke writes, After all the people had been baptized, and Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended upon Him. St. Luke is the only Gospel writer who reports that Jesus was praying during His Baptism. Luke s gospel is filled with references to Christ praying. It is something of which we need to take note. We are called to pray; we are called to serve; we need to pray for God s guidance in how we can serve, how we can live out our Baptismal vows most effectively. e manifestation f the Word of God, which is what Christmas is all about. As we celebrate Christ s Baptism today, we also renew our own Baptisms, and are called to recognize the parallels as they apply to our own lives. Our First Reading from the Prophet Isaiah is part of a section called by some scholars The Servant s Song. The Servant is, of course, Jesus Christ. God speaks to us in anticipation of Jesus Baptism as reported in our Gospel from St. Luke today. Here is my servant whom I uphold, my chosen one with whom I am pleased, upon whom I have put my spirit. Jesus is not just an example to us. He is our Servant. He came to serve us and continues to do so through His love for us. He provides us with care, guidance, and intercession. His call to be a Servant was realized in His Baptism. We received that same call at our own Baptism. That is the call to service we appreciate as stewardship, the call to love and serve one another. The Second Reading from the Acts of the Apostles is part of the brief sermon given by St. Peter at the house of Cornelius. Peter was very consistent in his sermons. He did not change them based upon the audience. He speaks that all people are saved by Christ; he emphasizes the work of the Lord. In today s reading Peter points out

13 that Jesus ministry began in Galilee after the Baptism. Cornelius and most of those present were Gentiles. That is why Peter makes it clear that Jesus is Lord of all. What is implied in St. Peter s words (and is reported in today s Gospel) is that Jesus was baptized as a way to identify with us. Jesus was anointed with the Holy Spirit and the power associated with that. God was with Him, just as the Lord is always with us. In keeping with the First Reading Jesus is foretold by the Prophets. Through our own Baptisms we received the power of the Holy Spirit; we received Jesus as our constant companion; and God has expected and called us also. We need to work to respond. Christ s Baptism is reported in detail in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. Although the Baptism is not detailed in the Gospel of John, the entire Gospel of John begins with Jesus public ministry and makes reference to Christ s Baptism as what launched Jesus ministry. St. John the Baptist says in John Chapter 1 basically this, I baptize with water, but He baptizes with the Holy Spirit. Biblical scholars point to Jesus Baptism as the first indication of the Holy Trinity; Jesus, the Son, is present; when He is baptized, the Holy Spirit descends upon Him; and God announces from the Heavens, You are my beloved Son; with You I am well pleased. Even though the Baptism of the Lord is reported in effect in all Gospels, St. Luke includes one seemingly minor but significant addition in today s Gospel. Luke writes, After all the people had been baptized, and Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended upon Him. St. Luke is the only Gospel writer who reports that Jesus was praying during His Baptism. Luke s gospel is filled with references to Christ praying. It is something of which we need to take note. We are called to pray; we are called to serve; we need to pray for God s guidance in how we can serve, how we can live out our Baptismal vows most effectively.

14 Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord A King to Behold Readings: Isaiah 60:1-6 Psalm 72:-12, 7-8, Ephesians 3:2-3, 5-6 Matthew 2:1-12 An "epiphany" is an appearance. In today's readings, with their rising stars, splendorous lights and mysteries revealed, the face of the child born on Christmas day appears. Herod, in today's Gospel, asks the chief priests and scribes where the Messiah is to be born. The answer Matthew puts on their lips says much more, combining two strands of Old Testament promise - one revealing the Messiah to be from the line of David (2 Samuel 2:5), the other predicting "a ruler of Israel" who will "shepherd his flock" and whose "greatness shall reach to the ends of the earth" (Micah 5:1-3). Those promises of Israel's king ruling the nations resound also in today's Psalm. The psalm celebrates David's son, Solomon. His kingdom, we sing, will stretch "to the ends of the earth," and the world's kings will pay Him homage.

15 That's the scene too in today's First Reading, as nations stream from the East, bearing "gold and frankincense" for Israel's king. The Magi's pilgrimage in today's Gospel marks the fulfillment of God's promises. The Magi, probably Persian astrologers, are following the star that Balaam predicted would rise along with the ruler's staff over the house of Jacob (Numbers 24:17). Laden with gold and spices, their journey evokes those made to Solomon by the Queen of Sheba and the "kings of the earth" (1 Kings 10:2,25; 2 Chronicles 9:24). Interestingly, the only other places where frankincense and myrrh are mentioned together are in songs about Solomon (Song of Songs 3:6, 4:6,14). One greater than Solomon is here (Luke 11:31). He has come to reveal that all peoples are "co-heirs" of the royal family of Israel, as today's Epistle teaches. His manifestation forces us to choose: Will we follow the signs that lead to Him as the wise Magi did? Or will we be like those priests and the scribes who let God's words of promise become dead letters on an ancient page? Epiphany Sunday is always a joyous time in the Church. The story of the Magi as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew is one with which we usually become familiar when we are young. Th is Epiphany Sunday is always a joyous time in the Church. The story of the Epiphany, the 12th day after Christmas, celebrates the visit of the three kings or wise men to the Christ Child, signifying the extension of salvation to the Gentiles. What is the date of Epiphany 2016? Answer: Epiphany falls on Wednesday, January 6, In most countries, including the United States, the celebration of Epiphany in 2016 is transferred to Sunday, January 3. agi as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew is one with which we usually become familiar when we are young. This day is filled with symbolism; it is filled with stewardship. The prophet Isaiah perhaps more than any other of the prophets anticipated the coming of Christ. He foresaw details about the coming of the Messiah which are uncanny in their accuracy. It is almost as if Isaiah foresaw the glory of Christ s Epiphany. Rise up in splendor Your light has come Then shall you be radiant at what you see. The light of Christ has shone and is shining upon us. However, we are to do more than just bask in it. We are to be radiant at what we see. This is the call to stewardship; we are to take that light, that Good News, and we are to share it and spread it.

16 Biblical scholars are of the opinion that St. Paul wrote his letter to the Ephesians (from which our Second Reading is drawn) during a time when he was under house arrest in Rome. Note that he was not in prison. At that time house arrest meant you could move easily around your house during the day under the watchful eyes of soldiers, but could not leave. At night you were chained to a soldier who slept next to you. Paul speaks of being a steward of God s grace. You might say he realizes that he is not a prisoner of the Romans, but a prisoner of the Lord. He has felt and realized the light of Christ referenced by Isaiah, and he has spent his apostolic life as a disciple, as one who has indeed been a steward and shared the glory he has realized. The Apostle Luke provided us with a detailed accounting of Christ s birth in Bethlehem. The visit of the Magi would seem to have mentioned in the Gospel of Matthew. Much has been written and surmised in relation to who they were, and the significance of their journey and visit. For us as stewards it is well to take note of two important aspects of this story. When Jesus was born, it was first revealed to humble and plain shepherds. The revelation for those considered more honorable and learned, namely, the Magi, occurred much later. Another perspective is that Jesus came to the poor first, and then the rich. The point is that He came and comes to everyone, each one of us as well. An Epiphany is, as normally used, a revelation. The revelation in this case, for us, and for the Magi, is the realization not only of the divinity of the Lord, but also the fact that Jesus came as the Savior of all. Those first shepherds who approached and worshiped Jesus were Jews; these Magi were gentiles. We need to respond to this revelation, just as the Magi did. They could have merely admired the glorious star which they saw in the sky and philosophized as to what it was and what it meant. However, they did more than that. They acted. We, too, are called to act through stewardship. We are called to more than just follow the Light of Christ.

17 We are called to respond and to act and to do something to show that we are indeed disciples. That would make us, too, wise. day is filled with symbolism; it is filled with stewardship. The prophet Isaiah perhaps more than any other of the prophets anticipated the coming of Christ. He foresaw details about the coming of the Messiah which are uncanny in their accuracy. It is almost as if Isaiah foresaw the glory of Christ s Epiphany. Rise up in splendor Your light has come Then shall you be radiant at what you see. The light of Christ has shone and is shining upon us. However, we are to do more than just bask in it. We are to be radiant at what we see. This is the call to stewardship; we are to take that light, that Good News, and we are to share it and spread it. Biblical scholars are of the opinion that St. Paul wrote his letter to the Ephesians (from which our Second Reading is drawn) during a time when he was under house arrest in Rome. Note that he was not in prison. At that time house arrest meant you could move easily around your house during the day under the watchful eyes of soldiers, but could not leave. At night you were chained to a soldier who slept next to you. Paul speaks of being a steward of God s grace. You might say he realizes that he is not a prisoner of the Romans, but a prisoner of the Lord. He has felt and realized the light of Christ referenced by Isaiah, and he has spent his apostolic life as a disciple, as one who has indeed been a steward and shared the glory he has realized. The Apostle Luke provided us with a detailed accounting of Christ s birth in Bethlehem. The visit of the Magi would seem to have relation to who they were, and the significance of their journey and visit. For us as stewards it is well to take note of two important aspects of this story. When Jesus was born, it was first revealed to humble and plain shepherds. The revelation for those considered more honorable and learned, namely, the Magi, occurred much later. Another

18 perspective is that Jesus came to the poor first, and then the rich. The point is that He came and comes to everyone, each one of us as well. An Epiphany is, as normally used, a revelation. The revelation in this case, for us, and for the Magi, is the realization not only of the divinity of the Lord, but also the fact that Jesus came as the Savior of all. Those first shepherds who approached and worshiped Jesus were Jews; these Magi were gentiles. We need to respond to this revelation, just as the Magi did. They could have merely admired the glorious star which they saw in the sky and philosophized as to what it was and what it meant. However, they did more than that. They acted. We, too, are called to act through stewardship. We are called to more than just follow the Light of Christ. We are called to respond and to act and to do something to show that we are indeed disciples. That would make us, too, wise. Epiphany Sunday is always a joyous time in the Church. The story of the Magi as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew is one with which we usually become familiar when we are young. This day is filled with symbolism; it is filled with stewardship. The prophet Isaiah perhaps more than any other of the prophets anticipated the coming of Christ. He foresaw details about the coming of the Messiah which are uncanny in their accuracy. It is almost as if Isaiah foresaw the glory of Christ s Epiphany. Rise up in splendor Your light has come Then shall you be radiant at what you see. The light of Christ has shone and is shining upon us. However, we are to do more than just bask in it. We are to be radiant at what we see. This is the call to stewardship; we are to take that light, that Good News, and we are to share it and spread it. Biblical scholars are of the opinion that St. Paul wrote his letter to the Ephesians (from which our Second Reading is drawn) during a time when he was under house arrest in Rome. Note that he was not in prison. At that time house arrest meant you could move easily around your house during the day under the watchful eyes of soldiers, but

19 could not leave. At night you were chained to a soldier who slept next to you. Paul speaks of being a steward of God s grace. You might say he realizes that he is not a prisoner of the Romans, but a prisoner of the Lord. He has felt and realized the light of Christ referenced by Isaiah, and he has spent his apostolic life as a disciple, as one who has indeed been a steward and shared the glory he has realized. The Apostle Luke provided us with a detailed accounting of Christ s birth in Bethlehem. The visit of the Magi would seem to have occurred some time, perhaps even months, after the Lord s nativity. Their trek and visit is only mentioned in the Gospel of Matthew. Much has been written and surmised in relation to who they were, and the significance of their journey and visit. For us as stewards it is well to take note of two important aspects of this story. When Jesus was born, it was first revealed to humble and plain shepherds. The revelation for those considered more honorable and learned, namely, the Magi, occurred much later. Another perspective is that Jesus came to the poor first, and then the rich. The point is that He came and comes to everyone, each one of us as well. An Epiphany is, as normally used, a revelation. The revelation in this case, for us, and for the Magi, is the realization not only of the divinity of the Lord, but also the fact that Jesus came as the Savior of all. Those first shepherds who approached and worshiped Jesus were Jews; these Magi were gentiles. We need to respond to this revelation, just as the Magi did. They could have merely admired the glorious star which they saw in the sky and philosophized as to what it was and what it meant. However, they did more than that. They acted. We, too, are called to act through stewardship. We are called to more than just follow the Light of Christ. We are called to respond and to act and to do something to show that we are indeed disciples. That would make us, too, wise.

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