“Looking Ahead” is a reflection on the Sunday readings, for the Epiphany of the Lord, by Father Perry.
Epiphany comes from the Greek word epiphaneia, which signifies a 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.
This Gospel Manifestation reveals the Appearance of Jesus the Christ; it also highlights a comparison between the characters of the Magi and 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 offered their Gifts, quietly slipped away, and went home by a new route.
And through it all, 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 his political position, he had established a home — his kingdom — and did everything to protect and preserve it.
He did not want to share it. He did not want it usurped. He did not want to risk losing any of it; therefore, his only option was to stomp out, eradicate, get rid of, and destroy the Child Jesus.
There could be no other king, no other threat to his life.
What a difference between the two: One, Seekers of Truth. Two, a liar promising to “go and do him homage,” but really intending to kill him.
One, offering Gifts of Homage and Recognition. Two, using any means to protect MY kingdom and MY wealth and MY 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 in the giving discover that we have been far more gifted?
Quote of the week: “There are people who go clad in tunics and have nothing to do with furs, who nevertheless are lacking in humility. Surely humility in furs is better than pride in tunics.” — St. Bernard of Clairvaux.
Father Perry D. Leiker is the 13th 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.
