Do we bring our gifts and, by our generosity, discover that we have been far more gifted?

Father Perry D. Leiker, pastor.

By Father Perry D. Leiker, pastor

“Looking Ahead” is a weekly reflection on the Sunday readings by Father Perry.

“The superior man blames himself. The inferior man blames others.” — Don Shula.

This feast of the Epiphany comes from the Greek word “epiphaneia,” which signifies manifestation or appearance of a god, or of divine intervention, or the appearance of kings.

The Magi went out to find out about this new God or king and began a difficult journey.

One of the Gospel treasures is the comparison between the character of the Magi with Herod.

The Magi were pilgrims — seekers; they were searching out a truth they had discovered in the stars.

They went on this pilgrimage, and when they entered the home of the Holy Family, they found their gift, their reward, their soul’s longing.

They gave their gifts, quietly slipped away, and went home by a new route; through it all, they discovered a new way within their hearts and souls.

These events brought them new life and new understandings.

Herod, on the other hand, was a man of power. Through his power, and his armies — and his money and political position — he established a kingdom.

Herod did everything to protect and preserve his kingdom. He did not want to share it. He did not want it usurped. He did not want to risk losing any of it and, therefore, his only option was to kill the child Jesus.

There could be no other king, no other threat to his life.

What a difference between the two: Seekers of truth; and a liar promising to “go and do him homage,” but intending to kill him.

Offering gifts of homage and recognition; but using any means to protect his kingdom, his wealth, and his power.

The Gospel presents a manifestation, and in the light of its truth reveals the hearts of very different kinds of people: the Magi and Herod.

What does the star — the light — reveal to us? Do we discover any new truths about us, about God, about others?

Do we bring our gifts and, by gift-giving, discover that we have been far more gifted?

Father Perry D. Leiker is the 14th pastor of St. Bernard Catholic Church. Reach him at (323) 255-6142. Email Father Perry at pleiker@stbernard-church.com. Follow Father Perry on Twitter: @MrDeano76.