Is 60:1-6; Eph. 3:2-31, 5-6; Mt 2:1-12
Today, we
are celebrating Epiphany Sunday. This special Feast, normally celebrated on January
6th, commemorates the revealing of Jesus as the Christ to the Gentiles. In some
European countries this Feast is known as the "Twelfth Night" (after
Christmas).
The meaning of the word "epiphany" has its roots in the Greek language. The first part of the word, "epi," means "upon." The second part, "phainein," means "to show." By combining these two meanings, "to show upon," we are reminded of the manifestation of the glory of Christ to the Gentiles.
Today's
First Reading from the Book of Isaiah, speaks of a prophecy that was made
approximately seven hundred years prior to the birth of the Lord Jesus. In
those days, the Israelites were rejoicing because after years of captivity,
they were finally allowed to return to the holy city Jerusalem. The prophecy of
Isaiah gave them hope that the promised Messiah would soon rise from among the
people and that His glory would be seen by all.
The prophecy of Isaiah concluded with the words, "They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall proclaim the praise of the Lord." [Is. 60:6] These words echoed the gifts that the three wise men from the East [Mt. 2:1-2, 9-11] brought to Jesus in adoration after following the shining star in the sky.
The prophecy of Isaiah concluded with the words, "They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall proclaim the praise of the Lord." [Is. 60:6] These words echoed the gifts that the three wise men from the East [Mt. 2:1-2, 9-11] brought to Jesus in adoration after following the shining star in the sky.
The
Gospel tells us what happened to the wise men the moment they left Herod and
took the road to Bethlehem: the star reappeared, "and the sight of it
filled them with delight."
The birth
of Jesus filled them with joy. Throughout the life of Jesus we find that Jesus
spent a lot of time in bringing joy to the life of the people. In Cana in the
wedding ceremony Jesus transformed water into wine, and it gave immense
joy to the family. Jesus brought back the dead son to life. It gave great joy
to the mother. Jesus raised Lazarus from dead. It gave great joy to the Mary,
Martha and the village of Bethany. When Jesus cured the blind, the lame
and the sick great joy came to the life of the people.
The bible
is filled with stories of bible characters that found and chose happiness
through God. Whether it is after unexpected blessings or through sharing His
Good News, these stories focus on how God will always be there for His
children. These bible stories will inspire you to become a happier person, by
knowing that with God you can do anything. His timing is always right, as long as
we trust in Him and follow His word.
Sarah has
longed prayed to God to have a child. One day however, the Lord visited Sarah
as He said He would and blessed her with her child, Isaac. Sarah was able to
finally find joy in the unexpected and long-awaited blessings of her son. Paul
and Barnabas were asked by God to spread the good news of Jesus' love. They travelled
and ministered to people all over to make sure they understood the joy that
could only be found in Jesus.
Joy is
one of the greatest gift that Jesus brought to the world. Jesus taught his
listeners to be happy and commanded his disciples to share it with everyone.
The disciples carried the message to the ends of the world.
Once, a
teacher and his young assistant arrived at a village where the people were
angry and quarrelsome. At their request, he gave them his blessings, and asked
them to remain together in the village forever.
In the
next village they met joyful people who were cooperating with one another and
caring for each other. The teacher blessed them too, but asked them to leave
the village, and spread out across the country.
The
puzzled assistant asked the teacher why he had given such different advice. The
teacher smiled, "Those angry, argumentative people will only spread their
unhappiness wherever they go. So I asked them to stay where they were. But it
is better for the caring people to spread out, taking their happiness with
them. Then others will also learn to be joyful."
The wise
men give us the message to be joyful in life.
You can
choose to be happy as you realize how fortunate you are in comparison to 90% of
the world. You can choose to be content with what you have when you
consider how hard your parents worked to get you to where you are. There is so
much to be thankful for if you actually take the time to appreciate what you
have instead of yearning for what you don't.
The wise
men remind us that choice, not circumstances determine our success.
May Jesus
help us to make the right choice in life to be joyful.
Satish