A New Epiphany"

Today's Mass Readings

Yesterday we celebrated the Epiphany; the Magi came to honor the infant Jesus, bringing him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Jesus’ glory is revealed to the wise men, and it is revealed to us as we reflect on the wise men’s visit. Today, the Monday after Epiphany, we see Jesus’ glory reflected in a different snapshot. . Matthew’s gospel describes the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, following upon John the Baptist’s imprisonment. Jesus “preaches the kingdom;” that is, proclaims that the Kingdom of God is at hand and tells people to repent. After this, he begins to cure diseases and illnesses, to heal those who are possessed, lunatics and paralytics. Matthew tells us that Jesus became so famous that people began to follow him

This is a new epiphany! Jesus’ glory, once revealed by a star that led wise men to a humble manger, now takes the form of a young man capable of healing. In both epiphanies, God is revealed among us. Emmanuel – God with us – came to us first as a baby, and second as a preacher and healer of physical, mental, and spiritual ailments. Jesus’ amazing healing ministry on earth demonstrated God’s commitment to helping his people. And yet, it was also only a foretaste of another epiphany, an even greater healing act, which consisted of Jesus’ passion, death, and resurrection.

God, once among us on earth in the person of Jesus, is always with us. As we reflect on these readings, let us strive to see God with us. Let us pray that we may be able to identify God’s presence in our lives and in our world.

- Maria Morrow