Today we celebrate the Epiphany, the feast of the Three Kings. In the Gospel we hear the story of the Magi and the first revelation of Jesus to the Gentiles. Israel at the time had become deaf to God’s Word and blind to His revelations. Then one day strangers from the east appear before King Herod and innocently ask, “Where is he that is born King of the Jews?” Herod and his court were shocked, perhaps embarrassed, and certainly frightened over the implications of such a question.
Have we become too complacent in our faith? Have we become deaf and blind to the revelations that happen around us everyday? Many of us were raised Catholic and perhaps we sometimes don’t think about our faith too much. We take it for granted.
But what of those who come to us from the outside, as the Magi did? They come because they have seen a great light and are eager to learn more about it. They approach the faith with a decisiveness and purpose that many of us lack.
Several weeks ago we accepted new catechumens into our parish family, people who have come looking for the newborn King of the Jews. As they enter a more formal process of learning about our Church, and us, I encourage everyone to learn about them as well.
Let us remember that often it is the outsiders, the converts, who shake us from our complacency and reveal to us new and fruitful paths.
Pax Vobiscum
The Epiphany of the Lord
Adoration of the Magi, Edward Burne-Jones, 1887, tapestry, England