A Feast of Epiphanies

Brief Audio Reflection on Matthew 2:1-12

Brief Audio Reflection on Matthew 2:1-12 - The Feast of the Epiphany

These first verses from the second chapter of Matthew are among the most action packed accounts found in the whole sixty-six books of the Bible. A Hollywood script writer would be hard pressed to match the inspiration and the intrigue, the triumph and the treachery. As a preacher, I'm swamped with the symbolic richness of this gospel. A single sermon doesn't do it justice. But let's try.

One brief definition of an epiphany is: a sudden intuitive insight into the essential meaning of something. This morning's gospel for the Feast of the Epiphany is literally a feast of epiphanies. It is chock full of insights into the meaning of the coming of Christ and the transformation it promises for you and me and for all the people of the world.

Start with the vision of the Magi. They had devoted their lives to studying the heavens. And then suddenly there was a brilliant light they'd never seen before and couldn't explain. They dropped everything and set out to follow the star, mile after mile, over mountains and deserts, fixed faithfully on the celestial signpost that lead them to the newborn Jesus.

What star do you follow? Where does it lead you? Does it lead to Jesus? Or is it all about getting and keeping more stuff - filling the hole in our souls with things? A bigger paycheck, a bigger house, season tickets, the best table, the latest I Pad, the hippest sneakers? They are all really great stuff to have. But go to as many funerals as I do and they shrink to insignificance. The Magi got it right the first time. Follow your star to Jesus - his love, his way - they are really all that endures.

Jesus is waiting. In joyful praise and adoration, let's follow the star together.