Epiphany of the Lord– John 2:1-12
Today is a wonderful feast in our Church calendar. We celebrate the feast of the epiphany of our Lord. When was the last time you had an epiphany? Have you ever had an epiphany? An epiphany may simply be a sudden realization or a moment of clarity. Naturally, the epiphany this feast celebrates is the manifestation of Jesus as “king of the Jews” and of the world.
This Gospel opens with the magi arriving in Jerusalem. I assume their presence caused quite a stir. They kept asking: “where is the newborn king of the Jews?”
Naturally, King Herod and all of Jerusalem were troubled by their question. Herod immediately called his advisers together and asked them where this “Jesus” was to be born. The priests informed Herod that according to the prophecies in the Scriptures, the Christ was to be born in the land of Judah.
Herod then quietly called the magi in. He told them to go and search for the child. And when they found him, the Magi were to send word to Herod. Herod told them that he also wanted to offer homage to the child.
And we know the rest of the story. The Magi traveled, following the brilliant star they had seen at its rising. Eventually the star led them to the dwelling where the Child was: a lowly stable. Can you imagine how astonished the kings must have been to find this holy Child in a manger surrounded by animals! Yet, despite these very unusual and humble circumstances, the kings instantly recognized the Child King.
Today may we look for the Child King in our midst. Jesus is there but we must have open hearts, minds and eyes! We have the ability to “see” Him! Will we keep looking for Him until we find Him?
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