January 8, 2023 - The Epiphany of the Lord

They came bearing gifts for the baby Jesus, these three kings or “wise” men from of old. They had travelled a great distance following the bright light of a shining star that now settled over a stable near the little town of Bethlehem. The light of that star shined brightly for not only the three “wise” men of old to see; but also for all wise men and women of any time to see, the light of the presence of Christ. Matthew in story form is telling each of us on this Feast of the Epiphany that we too are “wise” if we recognize the light of the star that is Jesus our Christ as he comes to us today. One of the main ways he comes is through the giving or sharing of our gifts to others. Those who are “wise” among us are those who recognize the gifts/talents they’ve been given by a loving God, and lay them at the feet of the babe by using them for the benefit of others. The Gospel story is telling us that “wise” men and women give gifts, and in doing so the light of the star of Christ’s presence shines more brightly in their hearts. Then, let us be truly “wise” bearers of the gifts that we’ve been given by a loving God by using them for the benefit of others. When we do, the glory of the Lord comes to rest in the stable of our hearts. Fr. John Mark Ettensohn, OMI (Homily given by Fr. Scott Hill, OMI)