GOOD AND EVIL ON DISPLAY.

THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD. YEAR B.
January 4, 2009.
(First reading: Isaiah 60:1-6) (Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-14)
(Second reading: Ephesians 3:2-3, 5-6) (Gospel reading: Matthew 2:1-12)


GOOD AND EVIL
ON DISPLAY.

The Epiphany is an occasion for us to see the goodness of Jesus and the evil in Herod. Let us take a look at them.

1. The goodness of Jesus.
A. The gospel says that Jesus comes as "a ruler, who is to shepherd [his] people" (Matthew 2:6), a ruler who does not rule by oppressing human beings. The expression "to shepherd" emphasizes the care and dedication with which Jesus guides his people, like the shepherd who seeks the best for his sheep; it emphasizes total respect for mankind, like a shepherd who gives his life for his sheep.

B. Psalm 72 describes how Jesus rules: By "rescuing the poor when they cry out, the oppressed who have no one to help; by showing pity to the needy and the poor and saves the lives of the poor. From extortion and violence he frees them, for precious is their blood in his sight".

C. The gospel tells us that all the power of God is made flesh in the person of a child, the child Jesus, in order to reveal that the power of God resides in the innocence and vulnerability of a child. "On entering the house [the magi] saw the child with Mary his mother" (Matthew 2:11).

2. The evil in Herod.
The gospel speaks of the reaction from Herod and his court (The ruling powers at that time) upon learning of the presence of a new King. Herod "was greatly troubled, and all Jerusalem with him" (Matthew 2:3), and addressing the magi, he said: "Go and search diligently for the child. When you have found him, bring me word, that I too may go and do him homage" (Matthew 2:8).

Herod pretends to be willing to accept the new order when, in fact, he wants to destroy it; Herod pretends to welcome Jesus when, in fact, he wants to kill him.

Throughout history, humanity has witnessed the presence of individuals who have followed the model of Jesus, while others have followed the model of Herod.

Jesus continues to manifest himself through his followers today.
The Epiphany or manifestation of the Lord continues to be a reality through those who by giving witness to Jesus give the world the opportunity to see him.

The Epiphany or manifestation of Jesus' followers becomes all the more important since the followers of "king Herod" are still very much alive, since "darkness [still] covers the earth and stick clouds cover the peoples" (Isaiah 60:2).

We allow Jesus to manifest himself whenever we "govern [the] people with justice, [the] oppressed with right judgment", whenever we "rescue the poor when they cry out, the oppressed who has no one to help", whenever we show "pity to the needy and the poor", whenever we "save the life of the poor", whenever we liberate those who suffer "from extortion and violence" (Psalm 72).

May the Epiphany allow us to see the goodness of Jesus and the evil in the Herods of today.