Epiphany of the Lord (B) : Sunday 3rd January 2021

The wise men, guided by the star, had travelled from distant lands to pay homage to the One they considered to be the ‘king of the Jews’. Closer to home, King Herod, even after learning from the Jewish scriptures that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem, did not fail to acknowledge the newborn child as the Messiah, but also cunningly planned to murder him.

The faith of the Gentile wise men, therefore, stands in stark contrast with Herod. Herod, who had always been suspicious and fearful of all Jewish messianic movements because he felt they threatened his political power, failed to recognise the Messiah as prophesied by the scriptures. Instead, he chose to use his human power to destroy the One who had come to save.

In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul speaks about the ‘mystery’ which was promised to the Jews but which is now made accessible to the Gentiles through the working of the Holy Spirit.

The Gentiles have become part of Christ’s body, the Church. This is in accordance with the prophet Isaiah’s prophecy, who proclaimed that “the Gentiles will come into your light …” (Is. 60:3).

Herod, who was darkened by power and authority over his kingdom, had his own plan to kill the Messiah. But God demonstrated to all that no devious or evil ways can stop God’s plan in saving His people, whether they be Jews or Gentiles. Victory is always with God!

Lord, help me pay homage to You each day.