Today, we celebrate the beautiful feast of the Lord’s Epiphany. Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI spoke about the different attitudes of Herod and the Wise Men in their quest to see the newborn King. He stated:
“Today we are celebrating the Solemnity of the Epiphany, the “Manifestation” of the Lord. The Gospel tells how Jesus came into the world with deep humility and hiddenness. St. Matthew, however, mentions the episode of the Wise Men who arrive from the East, guided by a star, to worship the newborn King of the Jews. Every time we hear this account, we are struck by the stark contrast between the attitude of the Magi, on the one hand, and that of Herod on the other. In fact, the Gospel says that on hearing the words of the Magi “Herod the king… was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him” (Mt 2: 3). There are various ways in which this reaction can be understood: Herod is alarmed because he sees in the One the Magi were seeking a rival to himself and his children. On the other hand, the elders and inhabitants of Jerusalem seem amazed, rather than anything else, as though they had been woken from a certain lethargy and needed to think. Isaiah had, in reality, foretold: “To us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government will be upon his shoulder, and his name will be called “Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Is 9: 6).
Like the Magi, Melchior, Balthazar, and Gasper, we seek Christ to adore Him; to love Him; and to serve Him. Herod saw Him as competition; but we see Him as our Lord and God!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Sincerely Yours in Christ,
Fr. Wayne