Shocking Appearance of the Lord

The Epiphany of the Lord

January 3, 2016

Mathew 2:1-12

“They were overjoyed at seeing the star, 11 and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother (Mat 2:10-11).”

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 not only the Jews, but also the Gentiles, represented by the three Magi, to visit and finally worship Him. In His earliest appearance, Jesus brought light to all the nations.

One little question may linger: why did the three Magi from the East follow the star? Their journey was based on an ancient belief that the birth of a great king was signified by the appearance of new star in the sky. Yet, we are never sure what ‘star’ the Magi actually saw. Was it a comet, a supernova, unusual constellation, a planet, or supernatural light? One thing we are sure of. This star possessed a greatest importance, that Gaspar, Balthazar and Melchior abandoned the comfort of their homeland, traveled thousand miles westward and faced all the dangers and uncertainties.

Yet, just like many Israelites who expected a Messiah-King, the first thing the Easterners did was to visit a palace. And just like the entire Jewish nation, they were mistaken. They discovered Herod who did not wish to have another ruler except himself and the Jewish religious leaders who did not see the star coming. There was no infant-King in that strong and richly decorated castle.

The experience of epiphany shocked everyone. The Magi, however, reacted differently from king Herod and the high priests. While Jewish leaders ignored the divine guide, and selfish Herod secretly conspired the murder of the baby, the three good men chose to learn from their mistake and move on in their journey. In fact, going away from the center of power and pride was a liberating and joyful experience for the three. Re-directing their expectation and re-aligning with the star, they finally found the baby Jesus. Yet again, the noblemen from the East were puzzled to see the great King at the most unworthy place. The Prince of Heaven was the son of a poor carpenter and a simple woman from an unassuming village, Nazareth. The Creator was born among lowly men, animals and plants at the unhygienic manger. Despite all these unexpected events, the old good men found overjoyed because they saw God. Indeed, our God is the God of surprises.

Epiphany or the appearance of the Lord in our lives will certainly jolts us, shatters our expectations and blow away our plans. Are we going to be like the Jewish leaders who dismiss the presence of God in the unlucky events? Are we going to be like Herod who was totally upset and force things according to his will? Or, like the Magi, we allow ourselves to be surprised and to embrace it as the moment of grace?

When I asked a friend on what his plans and expectations on 2016, he replied, “I don’t plan, but God plans for me!” Perhaps, in the same spirit, the best answer when some people asking me, “When will my ordination be?” my surest answer was ‘In God’s time!’ What are your plans and resolutions in 2016? Are you ready to be surprised? Are we prepared to see God and be blessed this year?

Br. Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP