Homilies

FEAST OF THE EPIPHANY: THE CONTINUOUS SEARCH FOR A TRUE GOD

THE STORY OF the three wise men or Magi searching for the newborn King marks the end of the Christmas celebration. This story can also be our own story because of the fact the Church is a pilgrim Church, a Church in a journey. There are three important moments in the gospel that we heard today, namely, the search for the newborn Child, the guidance of a mysterious star, and the joyous and grateful worship to the Child. Now let us try to reflect on these moments because these also tell us of our own journey here on earth.

First, the wise men journeyed and searched for the newborn Child. They were on a journey filled with determination to find the newborn Jesus. Now, we can also find this kind of attitude to some people. Although most people in our age are now getting more and more secularized and indifferent to their faith, we can also hear some stories of people who are in a journey searching for the truth, and God. More often, this search is so radical because it involves leaving the comfort and security of previously held positions, and thus, facing the unknown. They sacrificed these things just for the search for this truth. The search hasn’t been that easy because it demands courage, determination, and hope. All the while, we could think of secularism as bad at all. But in the experience of others, it can  also be good. How? Secularism can lead to an experience of meaninglessness, and those people who are fed up with it, are now searching for true meaning and true God in their lives.

Second, they were guided by a mysterious star. The star went before the wise men and rested over the place where the Child was. It is very important that for those people who are in search for truth and God, there has to be something and somebody who could guide them in their journey. For some, they ask guidance from friends, from members of the religious community or organizations that they belong, and from priests who act as their spiritual director. Ultimately, it is the Church who could be the real guide. Let us take note that the wise men were happy to see the star. This should also be the feeling of the “searchers” toward their guide. They should also appreciate these human and institutional guides in their journey.

Third, they worshiped the Child and offered him gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The wise men were happy to see the star which guided them. But they are happier upon finding the newborn Jesus. In their joy, they worshiped him and thanked him through the gifts they bring. Those people, after a long search, who have found Christ in their life, have become serious in their worship to the newfound God. I remember my friend who was a convert to Christianity, and yes, it appears that he is more serious in worship than an ordinary Catholic.

Now, this could be a point for reflection for those people who have already found God or Jesus Christ in their lives. It is hoped that those who were baptized in the Catholic Church feel the joy of becoming now Christians. Christianity should not be a burden, but it should be something to be proud of and be happy for. If we have the joy with us, we can be thankful to God for this gift of faith. We may not have gold, frankincense or myrrh to bring to God, but we continual worship and gratitude to Him is already a good gift for God. Let us all be appreciative for the gift of faith so that our life would become a life of gratitude. 

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