DATE : 3/1/2021, the Second Sunday of Christmas Year (B)
EVENT : EPIPHANY OF THE LORD
COLOUR: WHITE
READINGS :Isaiah 60:1-6; Resp. Psalm 72:1-2.7-8.10-11.12-13; Eph. 3:2-3a.5-6; Matt 2:1-12.
THEME: DO NOT BE AFRAID TO REVEAL YOUR IDENTITY AND TALENTS
Greetings beloved people of God. I welcome you to "My Catholic Homily Digest". On this Second Sunday of Christmas which doubles as the first Sunday of the year 2021, on which the Church celebrates the Epiphany of the Lord, I wish to reflect with you on the theme: " Do Not be Afraid to Reveal your Identity and Talents". Beloved, the solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord which we celebrate today is simply the visible manifestation of Jesus Christ in human form to the world. Particularly to the Gentiles, since it was to the three wise men from the East (Magi), that he revealed himself to. Unlike what the Jews thought, the coming of Christ was not targeted at the salvation of Jews only, although he came from their lineage. His appearing (Epiphany), to the Gentiles in the Gospel reading of today was a great spiritual and theological lesson to the leaders and teachers of the people of Israel. How could they have been reading the prophecies about the coming of the messiah, only for Him to come without their knowing it, and he even chose to reveal his face first to uncircumscised foreigners. Indeed the ways of God are different from that of men.
Beloved in Christ, the Gospel reading of today which was taken from the Matthew 2:1-12, tells us how the rising star of Jesus appeared to the three Magi in the East and led them perfectly through the house of King Herod in Isreal to the exact position where the baby Jesus was. These Gospel passage is loaded with many lessons for us today. But before then, it is important we know that the Gospel of Matthew is the very earliest of all the New Testament writings and it was originally written around 79 A.D, to show the Jews Christians that Jesus is actually the awaited Messiah. However, the portion we read today, is from the part of Matthew's Gospel called the "infancy narratives", that is Matt. 1:1- 2:23. But the pericope of our focus today which is Matt. 2:1-12, falls within the immediate context of Matt. 2:1-15, called the "visit of the Magi from the East". Thus, although Matthew wrote to the Palestinian Jewish Christians, he included this narrative in his writing because he wanted the Gentile world to know that Christ cares for the them as much as he cares for the Jews.
Child of God, what lesson are we to go home with today. The first lesson is this, that God has no favourite, He shows no partiality and He can use anybody who disposes himself properly to bring about His purposes. Furthermore, by this revelation of Himself to the world, Jesus has shown us that as lights, we must shine brightly and not allow the fear of anybody to shut us up or hidden (Matt. 5:14-16). If the tender and vulnerable child Jesus did not hide his glory despite the devouring intents of King Herod, then why must we hide our God given talents and gifts. Beloved like St. Paul tells us in today's second reading, what ever grace, talent or gift God has given to you, it is not meant for you to keep. Rather, it is meant to better the life of other people around you. So beloved in Christ, as we celebrate the Epiphany (revelation) of Jesus to the entire world today, I call on you, especially as the year is just about starting, do not allow the fear of anything or anyone to keep you from revealing or displaying your identity gifts. Do not lie hidden, but like unstoppable stars, let your gifts blossom. Hence, if you have a strong faith, do not be shy to show it publicly even amongst Muslims or pagan. If you have been blessed with a good voice, use it to sing to the glory of God, if you can smile, please do. If you can dance, please dance, if you can pray, be the first to lead, if you can give wise counsel, please, don't let anything hold you back. Just be confident of yourself and let the world celebrate you this year. God bless you
Oh that today you would listen to his voice harden not your hearts (Ps.95:7-8)
LET US PRAY : Lord Jesus, I pray for the courage to display my talent this year for the better glory of your name......
The Lord be with you....... and with your Spirit.
May Almighty God bless you in the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit......Amen
HAPPY FIRST SUNDAY OF THE YEAR BELOVED.
@ Fada Emmanuel Nnamdi Megwara, MSP. ⛪
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