THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD - SUNDAY HOMILY

THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD – SUNDAY HOMILY

THEME: Following God’s Rising Star

BY: Fr. Anthony Chukwuebuka Ohaekwusi

I remember the popular song Twinkle twinkle little star, how I wonder what you are. Children sing this song to express their amazement and admiration for the shining star that looks little but delightful with its sparkles that adorn the sky. When we call someone a star, we imply that they have distinguished themselves in what they do. Not only are they successful, but unique to the point that everyone sees and admires their performance. We call such people Star boy, Star Girl or Superstar. The team’s star player is the best player among his teammates, the most phenomenal, with extraordinary performances in every game, the one who attracts fans to the team. He always makes the difference in every game, regardless of the team’s form, and people gather to watch the team because of their love for that player. Each star appears as a flicker from afar, but the closer you get, the more obvious and spectacular its light becomes. The manifestation of the star is confirmed by admiration and movement towards it. A star shines when it is seen.

The readings on the Feast of Epiphany demonstrate that God has placed His star in each of us to shine for all. We have all been called and blessed by God to reveal His glory, like a light that shines for all nations to see. When God sent His star to shine in the person of Jesus, it was received with different feelings. The scribes and chief priests, who knew about the star, were indifferent to go for it and never saw His shining star. Herod, who felt entitled and arrogant at the news of His coming, became restless and jealous. The wise men who saw His star, albeit from afar, were delighted and determined to follow His light with awe until they found Him. The light became manifest to the wise men who cherished and followed it.

Our stars will shine if we appreciate God’s gift and follow the direction that leads us to Him. Those who feel indifferent to God’s gift will never feel the impact of His shining light. Those who feel entitled to God’s gift and in arrogance become jealous of others will never recognise their own gifts. But those who relish His gifts follow with an open heart and reveal them to all nations. This is why the three Wise Men became the first to bring God’s message to other nations. On this Feast of the Epiphany, God reveals that His star shines for everyone, but reflects on those who appreciate and follow it.

Remain lifted and do have a great Epiphany Sunday.

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