Fr. John Ryan

 

EPIPHANY

6th January 2007

 

 

"The Epiphany is the manifestation of Jesus as Messiah of Israel, Son of God and Saviour of the world. The great feast of Epiphany celebrates the adoration of Jesus by the wise men from the East, together with is baptism in the Jordan and the wedding feast of Cana in Galilee. In the Magi, representatives of the neighbouring pagan religions, the Gospel sees the first-fruits of the nations, who welcome the good news of salvation through the Incarnation. The magi's coming to Jerusalem in order to pay homage to the king of the Jews shows that they seek in Israel, in the messianic light of the star of David, the one who will be king of the nations" (Catechism of the Catholic Church 528).
In the wise men we see the representatives of mankind, searching for the source of meaning. The discovery of the child Jesus, the Word made flesh, is the discovery of meaning for the whole world. Within the stable of Bethlehem lies not just a child but the God-child, the promised one of Israel, and we see in the homage of the wise men the universal nature of the purpose of the Incarnation. Born into the Jewish nation, the Jewish tradition, fulfilling the promises contained in the Jewish scripture, Jesus Christ transcends the boundaries of nationality and culture. He is the universal Saviour, the universal Redeemer, the Universal King. We translate the Greek term 'Logos' as Word: the Word made flesh is the Logos incarnate. Logos implies reason, meaning. Jesus not only fulfils prophecies and promises but is considered the very source of all meaning. He is the beginning and the end, the Alpha and Omega, the one who is, who was and who is to come.
The simple scene of the crib, with child lying quietly in the manger, and Mary and Joseph devotedly looking over him belies the gravity of the situation. In that quietness, in that simplicity, we experience the pivotal moment of time and history. The purpose and goal of life is present in that crib and, recognised by the wise men, is offered to the whole world, to all humanity, as its very meaning, source and summit5. The Christ is for everyone. Jesus, the Son of God, offers salvation to all. It is not restricted to a particular time, place, nation or culture, but offered to all. Reconciliation of the entire creation is the mission of Jesus Christ and that reconciliation is a transcendent one - it transcends all man-made boundaries and it transcends humanity itself because its focus is on God. He came to reconcile all creation with the Father.
In the common gift of the Lord we are all commissioned to witness to that message of reconciliation. To witness to it then we must live it, practice it. Universal salvation implies that all must hear the message that Jesus is born for us. It also implies that we must live according to its implications. How can we expect reconciliation if we do not reconcile? Think of the words of the Our Father - forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. We participate in the redeeming, reconciling actions of Jesus by offering forgiveness to those who have hurt us in any way. It is one act of participation; there are others as well.
We pray that we may take an active role in the proclamation of the universal nature of the salvific role of Christ and truly witness to his presence among us as the wise men were true witnesses to his Incarnation.