Seeking the Lord in Our Hearts

Seeking the Lord in Our Hearts

Mt 2: 1 – 12

Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord

Introduction

Today is the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord. Our Gospel reading recounts to us the story of the wise men from the east who came looking for the child Jesus. When they finally found him, they gave him homage and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

The Gospel

             Our reading begins with Matthew narrating to us the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem in the days of King Herod. At that time, wise men from the east came looking for the newborn king of the Jews in Jerusalem. They said that they have been following his star at its rising and that they came to pay this newborn king homage.

When, however, King Herod heard of this, he was greatly troubled and all of Jerusalem with him. The king then assembled all the chief priests and scribes of the people and inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They said to him, quoting the prophet Micah: “ And you Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; since from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel. “

Then Herod called the wise men secretly and ascertained from them the time of the star’s appearance. He then sent them to Bethlehem and said: “ Go and search diligently for the child. When you have found him, bring me word that I too may go and do him homage.” After the wise men’s audience with Herod, they set out.

Then the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. The wise men were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Then, having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way.

Reflection

This beautiful story about the wise men from the east, led by a star and looking for the newborn king of the Jews is an all too familiar story that is recounted every Christmas season. But more than just a yearly Christmas story that has fascinated generations of Christians, it is a story that conveys a deep message for all of us to ponder upon.

First, the wise men from the east were not Jews. At that time, all non- Jews were called gentiles. The distinction between Jews and non-Jews (or gentiles) somehow bears a somewhat discriminatory note. Jews considered themselves the chosen people; people who were special in the eyes of God because they followed the law that God gave them.

Gentiles on the other hand were considered outsiders who did not know God and his ways and therefore were considered unworthy and unclean.

Surprisingly, we find these wise men from the east, who were not Jews, seeking him who was the king of the Jews, the messiah who was foretold by the prophets. They who did not know God were looking for God.

Ironically, we find Jews like Herod, the chief priests and scribes not seeking the newborn king and messiah at all. They who were supposed to be God’s chosen people were not looking for him who was their king and messiah.

And the irony of it all is that, these Jews, by searching through the Scriptures, knew the details of where this newborn king was to be found; yet, this privileged knowledge of knowing where the king was to be born never gave them any desire whatsoever, not even the curiosity to look for this newborn king.

At the end of the story, none of these Jews ever went to Bethlehem. The only Jew that was interested to see the newborn child was Herod simply because he wanted to do harm to the baby whom he saw as a rival to his throne and not as he claims, to pay homage to this new born king.

God works indeed in mysterious ways. These wise men from the east who were not Jews were searching for God. On the other hand, the Jews, who knew God well as a people, were not looking for God. This just tells us that with God, there is no distinction between Jew or non-Jew. God reveals himself to anyone who truly seeks him - Jew or not.

This is why today’s feast is called the “epiphany” which simply means “revelation.” This is the feast where God revealed himself in Jesus to all mankind, including all gentiles, represented by the wise men, considered by Jews as  outside the established order.

God reveals himself to all who seek him. He guides those who search for him deep in their hearts as they struggle through their lives at times not knowing what to do or where to go. To them who walk in darkness, God shows a star that would direct them to a path that leads to the Savior, Jesus.

Let us ask the Lord to grant us the grace of truly seeking him. God will not hide himself from us; neither will he cover his face from us. He will instead lead us to discover him in his son Jesus, the true light of the nations; the true light for those who truly seek God in their hearts.

Prayer

            Dear Lord, today you reveal yourself to all who truly seek you. You do not cover your face from anyone who searches and longs for your beauty. Shine on our lives, light of the nations, so that you may dispel the darkness and gloom that surround us who do not know what to do or where to go. Lead us to your lowly place in the manger where we can behold your grace and peace. Amen.

“ Seek the Lord while He may be found; call on him while he is near.” – Isaiah 55:6

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