The Epiphany of the Lord - Fr. Leo

One could contemplate many different things in today’s scriptures.  For one, the gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh are symbolic of Christ’s life and mission. Myrrh signifying his death for us to join that to his resurrection and eternal life.

A second theme could be the light that shines in the darkness over Jerusalem; the lord’s people.  It also is the light that the magi followed to come to the Christ in Bethlehem.  The same light that shines over us guiding us and symbolically symbolizing the days that are now becoming longer as we have passed the winter solstice and journey to Easter and the fullness of light in Christ’s resurrection.  A resurrection we make our own in becoming one with the Christ who loves us.

Another theme, is the one that strikes me most, it is the contrast between a humble God born in Bethlehem and a jealous earthly king who is so “crazed” that he needs to kill him.  God is most humble and loves even Herod himself.  However, Herod was too full of himself to love.  Because of his ego, Herod could not see the savior as a gift, but only a threat.

It is true, the way of the Lord, can be a threat to our false egos.  Our self-centeredness can make us “crazed” in perceiving things as threat instead of a blessing.  We can only see the light when we begin to let go of our false selves and trust that we are loved, that seeking and living in the “way of the Lord,” will be a blessing.  We all have a bit of Herod in us.  Our goal is to be seekers of the light, and like the magi, come to the Lord and give him all he has given us; our gold, frankincense and myrrh.