HOMILY FOR THE SOLEMNITY OF THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD (5)

HOMILY FOR THE SOLEMNITY OF THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD

HOMILY THEME: THE MANIFESTATION OF THE MESSIAH

BY: Fr. Benny Tuazon

HOMILY:

(Mt. 2:1-12)
In the day’s Gospel we have another Christmas story. Yes, another Christmas story through the Feast of the Epiphany. “Epiphany” means the manifestation of God. God revealing Himself to man. Note that Scriptures had foretold and gave some information on where the Messiah will be born. Herod, through his scribes and chief priests, was very interested to find it out too but for a different reason. The shepherds received it through a direct revelation from God through the angels. And the magi were guided by a star.

But nothing happened in Herod’s search. Even with the use of Scriptures they did not see Jesus. The shepherd’s had it relatively easy because the message came directly from God. The angels showed to the shepherds where the Messiah will be found. The magi, on the other hand, only had the stars. While they were experts at reading nature, they were aided by Scriptures. But those were still not enough. They acted on those signs and messages. They searched diligently and were committed to see the newborn king.

There is a saying which states, “There’s more than one way to skin a cat.” For example, there are a lot of ways to go to a certain place like Quiapo or Cubao or other places. Other religions, in their own way, also have the capacity to find the Lord. We cannot argue with that. We have our own belief. Our faith had taught us our way. But knowing the way is one thing. Making the first step and embark on a journey to reach the destination is another thing. Herod had the Scriptures and his best people yet they did not get to see the Messiah. The magi, aided by the star and Scriptures, found the messiah because they followed what they said. Thus, mere possession of the truth does not guarantee finding Jesus. What we do with it, or when we allow ourselves to be guided by it, is what leads us to finding and seeing the Lord.

The issue of the true religion is really not the point. Even if our religion holds the truth, but our members do not strive to live it, that truth is of no use. Our religion is of no help. This is the reason why the magi’s finding of the baby Jesus, the Epiphany, is significant to us today. They gave an example of what to do with the possession of truth. They did not only have the way but also the courage to walk the way. They are telling us that we too can find Jesus if we follow the star and journey in the light of God’s Word.