"Rise up in splendor! Your light has come, the glory of the Lord shines upon you!" With these wonderful, joyful and hope-filled words of the Prophet Isaiah, we proceed with 2013 in our celebration of Epiphany. The season grows brighter as the days begin to lengthen. In the 2nd century, Irenaeus read much into the story of the Magi, the Wise Men from the East, given the names of Melchior, Casper and Balzer, who brought gifts of gold fit for a King; frankincense offered to a god and myrrh used to prepare a body for burial. These were the perfect gifts for a child who was both God and King and whose ministry would lead to his death on a cross. Biblical scholars refer to the story of the Wise Men in Matthew 2:1-2 as a "haggadah," comprising biblical materials, bits and pieces of oral tradition that point to a more profound truth for the community. How can these gifts be translated for us in 2013?
Gold - the gift of our loving hearts? Going beyond ourselves, our fears, our excuses? Frankincense - to remain faithful to prayer or worship? Perhaps we are called to be grace and light in the world. Myrrh - to prepare ourselves to meet God? Choosing such a relationship? This God draws us onto deeper areas where we are uneasy, uncertain and lack confidence! A terrific challenge!
Epiphany means we can choose to be life and light bearers like the Magi or we can reject that life and light like Herod. We can trust that God would be our shining star. Our God will guide us. Rise up, shine in splendor!
A continued happy and prosperous New Year to all! Ronaldo+
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