Epiphany: A Tipping Point

The Epiphany of the Lord

January 4, 2015

Matthew 2:1-12

“…they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage (Mat 2:11).”

Today we are celebrating the Epiphany of the Lord. The word Epiphany comes from the Greek word ‘epiphananie’, meaning ‘appearance’.  Therefore, today is also known as the feast of the manifestation of the Lord. This celebration is considered to one of the oldest and most important because the Baby God invited three gentiles Magi to visit and finally worship Him. The event turns to be a tipping point of Jesus’ identity and mission.

He was born of Jewish woman (Joseph, His foster father, belonged to the royal family), in the town of Bethlehem, the hometown of David, the great king. Jesus was a baby Jew in all aspect. Indeed, he was ordinary and simple, his first throne was the lowliest manger, and his presence was welcome by shepherds seen as low-class Jews, but still he was Jew and for the Jews. All things around His birth point to his Hebrew tradition and culture. If we had stopped at this point, Jesus’ future mission would have been exclusively Israel-oriented. However, it was never the case.

The three Magi from the East courageously traveled hundreds of miles, followed the bright star and did their homage to the newly born King. This turned to be a momentous event in the life of Christ and the Church. The invitation and acceptance of the Gentiles marked a radical shift from an exclusively Jewish orientation to an inclusive and universal vision. Jesus was sent not only to save the Jews, but also all the gentile, indeed the all the nations. Jesus was not confined to His family, clan and nation, but stretching Himself to the ends of the world.

The universal and inclusive spirits are the key characters of Jesus’ mission and actions, and the Church as His body, takes this core values as her own. Thus, in the Nicene Creed, we say that we believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church. The word Catholic is commonly translated as ‘universal’. As Jesus is welcoming everyone, beyond any language, culture, race and nation, the Church is also receiving people of all nations in her arms. Pope Francis always emphasizes that the Church is merciful and compassionate, just like her Lord, and so, the Church embraces everyone, especially the poor, the marginalized and the sinners.

Now, the challenge is ours. It is easier to talk about the Catholicity of our identity, but to put it in actions in our daily life is another thing. Who many among us are involved in the peace-building activities and in dialogues with conflicting ethic groups? Who among us, while truly convinced with the truth of the Gospel, are engaged in a healthy discussion with other religions and religious groups? Who among us are able to reach out to other people who are in dire need of food without looking who they are?  Yes, they are tough, but if a small and cute baby could initiate this effort, than why can we?

Br. Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP