Our celebration today of the Solemnity of Epiphany brings the Christmas season to a close. A visit by the Magi and the Crucifixion serves as bookends for Jesus’ identify as King of the Jews. The motivation for Magi’s search for Jesus, for the new-born King of the Jews, was confirmed over 30 years later by an inscription nailed to the top of the Cross on Calvary. Christmas begins a series of events leading us through Jesus’ public ministry, Passion and Death and culminating with the Easter joy of His Resurrection.
The Magi gifted Jesus with earthly treasures, but throughout His Life Our Lord chose to remain poor. Money is not important to Him, but how we love and care for others is. The Christmas Season heightens compassion and concern for others but what happens when the Magi return to their country, the shepherds to their fields and the decorations to the garage or attic? To quote Howard Thurman, an African-American theologian, “now the real work of Christmas begins.”
Many figures other than the Holy Family can be found in the Nativity scenes: angels, shepherds, wisemen, assorted animals and perhaps even a little drummer boy who gave his best by sharing his talent. What have we brought to the manger? The gift that God wants in any season is our hearts, our love. That was the gift of the shepherds. They brought themselves.
We spend time with those we love, and we “do” for those we love. So, what can we give Jesus throughout this new year? We can spend time with Him in prayer, Eucharistic Adoration and participating in the Eucharistic Liturgy. We can give Him the gift of ourselves, a gift expressed in love, concern, and compassion for others. Then the work of Christmas has truly begun.
As we journey through this new year, may we have the faith and adventuresomeness of the Magi and the simplicity of the shepherds, so that every encounter and event may be an “epiphany.”
Sister Marcella Louise Wallowicz, CSFN
