Sunday, January 5, 2020

January 5, 2020: Epiphany of the Lord Sunday

Christ was born as the Messiah of Israel, and shined a great Light that filled the whole earth.

The reading from Isaiah speaks of the restored glory of Israel.  No longer is it controlled by the nations, as they stream toward Israel, bearing gifts of great wealth.

But as the other readings make clear, the nations stream toward Israel to acknowledge the presence of God which has come in Christ.  Truly He has come for all people, beyond the Jews, to include all the Gentiles in the promises in Christ, as St. Paul writes in the letter to the Ephesians.

And we see a great example in the Gospel reading of Gentiles coming to worship Christ.  Magi travel from the East, following a star, which they recognize as God's sign leading them to Christ.  They come to adore Him, and bring gifts, unlike Herod who is filled with fear, and ready to oppose Christ for seemingly usurping his power.

Christ indeed came for all people who, by faith, open themselves up to the signs of God's presence in this world, and draw near to worship Christ by the gift of how they live their lives.


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