Reflection for January 8
The Epiphany is the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles -- the Three Kings being the representation of all the world's peoples. It is also the manifestation of the Divine on Earth.
This gospel resonates with me in that it offers insight into how we have drifted away from the original transformational message of the Epiphany. The world faces authoritarian leadership that calls itself God, that governs by imposing control and limiting freedoms. Intolerance of diversity -- racial, economic, religious, gender, philosophical--and hate plague the nations of our world today.
The Epiphany symbolizes the opposite. Our God and His Son invite ALL PEOPLE:
to be in relationship with the Divine (shared and accessible)
to be in relationship no matter our origins or imperfections (lovingly accepting)
to join Christ of our own volition (free will)
to belong (inclusion)
The Epiphany celebrates opening Love to ALL through Christ.
Marilynn Cruz-Aponte