Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord

Lectionary: 20

Inner court at Holy Cross Retreats
in Los Cruces, NM 

You have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace 
that was given to me for your benefit, 
namely, that the mystery was made known to me by revelation.

Perhaps we accept the wonderful teachings of scriptures because they are told with stories that are entirely plausible. We may be entertained by hobbits and orcs, vampires and ghouls, medieval dragons and futuristic cyborgs but their truths -- if they have any -- or so shrouded in implausibility we can take neither their message nor their messengers seriously. 

But the story of Herod's treachery is as familiar as the hypocrisy of the National Rifle Association. And we recognize Joseph's anguish as well as we know our daily anxiety. These stories are not dimmed by implausibility; they shine with the mysterious light of truth. 

King Herod plays an important role in our hearing of the Gospel. As we approach the end of the Christmas festivities we remember that little has changed while we were keeping the Holy Season. Children are still vulnerable. The treacherous are still prowling the halls of power. The wise must be alert to danger and ready to act under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The pious also must see the light shining in darkness, where many see no hope at all. 

The story of the magi tells us that even wise men make mistakes. These foreigners rushed into Jerusalem, no doubt tired from the long journey but eager to see the "new born king of the Jews." They were shocked to see the consternation they caused. No one else had heard about this signal event. Worse, they realized they had been duped into betraying important information -- the time of the star's appearance. Hearing the King declare his desire to "pay homage" to the baby, their hearts trembled with fear. What had they done? How could they have been so foolish?

But these good men still permitted God to speak to them, so they skirted around Jerusalem and returned to their homes by another route. 

Meanwhile, Joseph, like his ancestor the Patriarch Joseph, listened to current events and paid attention to his intuitions. No sooner had the magi departed than he startled Mary and the Baby out of their sleep and fled for Egypt. 

The darkness of this world's treachery threatens to overcome our faith. If we have believed foolish myths -- like the Exceptionalism of the United States -- then we are likely to feel profoundly distressed by the daily papers and evening news. 

But if we keep our eyes on Jesus, like a light shining in a dark place (2 Peter 1:19), we will know how to live and announce the gospel even here in our homeland.