Friday, January 6, 2023

 (see homily for Epiphany following that of the weekday)

Christmas Weekday (January 6)

(I John 5:5-13; Luke 3:23-38)

The genealogy presented in St. Luke’s gospel differs significantly from St. Matthew’s.  Recording seventy-seven generations, it is much longer.  It runs backwards by beginning with Jesus and ending with Adam.  Many names differ, even Jesus’ “as was thought” grandfather.  However, these variations need not disturb Christians.  Ancient genealogies were often less accurate than contrived to show proper lineage.  It might be pointed out that in two significant places, Matthew’s and Luke’s lineages converge.  Both record that Jesus is in the line of Abraham and of David.  He was obviously of the nation of Israel and, quite likely, of royal lineage.

Luke also reports in this gospel passage that Jesus is thirty years when he was about ready to begin his ministry.  Here the evangelist may be comparing Jesus to David who began his reign as king at thirty.  The datum in any case indicates that Jesus is in the prime of life.  At thirty human physical and mental powers reach their peak.  Being thirty, Jesus has had time to master the Scriptures and is old enough to call others to follow him as a rabbi.     

Among so many other reasons, Jesus merits our attention despite his pedigree and at his prime, he gave up his life to save us.  He might have found a comfortable position associated with an established synagogue.  Or he might have waited to experience more of life before beginning his salvific campaign that ended on the cross.  But, as always, he did not do what was convenient but what the Father willed. 

EPIPHANY OF THE LORD

(Isaiah 60:1-6; Ephesians 3:2-3.5-6; Matthew 2:1-12)

The star in the gospel today represents nature. It is part of natural creation. It has the ability to guide the magi as the North Star has aided navigators for millennia. However, the star cannot lead the magi to the newborn "king of the Jews".  Nature has its limits as far as God is concerned.  It can show that God exists, but it cannot say much about what God is like. In the same way, the star can indicate approximately where his son is, but it cannot tell exactly his whereabouts.

It is worth reflecting a little more on the star.  Shining in the sky, the star invites our wishes. Most of us have wished upon a star for something we longed for. In fact, the word desire has its roots in the Latin words de sidere, meaning of the stars. The stars in the heavens represent our greatest desires. Particularly the Christmas star stands for our desire for life to the full. If we thought more about it, we would conclude that the star of the magi represents our desire to have peace, justice, and above all, love.  It is a symbol of our desire to transcend human limits and to be one with God.

Magi are described in the gospel with this desire, this concern to transcend natural limits. These characters are commonly associated with the kings of the first reading. However, the evangelist Matthew never calls them "kings". We can keep our traditions of the three kings as the source of gifts for children. But it is important that we investigate in depth the reason for Matthew calling them "magi".

Magi is one of those words that has a range of meanings, some positive and some negative. For example, when a person is called “proud,” we are not sure that the person is selfish or fulfilled in something important. In ancient times, magicians were astronomers searching for the truth. However, some had the reputation as rogues like the magician Barjesus found in the Acts of the Apostles. This kind of ambiguity is also found in religion. Practiced well, religion brings peace and strength to a person so that he or she might overcome life's challenges. But practiced in the way of extremists, religion ends in iniquity that harms others.

In his gospel, Matthew certainly intends that the magi as seekers of truth. They represent a new movement of humanity towards Christ. They are not Jews but foreigners who will recognize the true God through his Son Jesus Christ. They teach us that every human person is inclined to know, adore, and imitate God.

The magi find in Jesus the end of their search for the truth, and they give him appropriate worship. For us too, Jesus fulfills the desire for life to the full. Found in Holy Scripture, Jesus teaches us the conduct that produces a better world. Received in the sacraments, Jesus strengthens our hearts to live his teachings. Observed in the saints, Jesus assures us that life can end in perfect love.