Homily for January 7, 2007 – The Epiphany
Readings: Isaiah 60, 1-6; Psalm 72; Ephesians 3, 2-6; Matthew 2, 1-12.
Isaiah
When you hear the writer of Isaiah say this morning, “Jerusalem, Rise up in Splendor,” think of Tony Romo, who just lost that game last night. He & all Cowboy fans are depressed this morning. Tony is Jerusalem and Yahweh is telling him that his day has really come, that he will win.
The Jews are depressed because they have been defeated by the Babylonians. Their whole town has been defeated and they are captives, paying for their sinful ways. The Isaiah writer is saying to the Jewish people, and by extension to all of us, winning is on the horizon.
For us Christians, we are looking back and saying we have won, won redemption with the arrival of our savior.
Ephesians
Paul writes to the people Ephesian people to let them know that God’s plan for redemption includes the Gentiles, not just the Jews. In the gospel the magi come. They, as Gentiles, represent us non-Jews.
The Three Gifts
A week ago Saturday Rosemary & I arrived by bus at one of the most beautiful colonial towns in southern Mexico, Oaxaca. The town has had trouble since the summer and especially in November. Teachers went on strike during the summer and when the government seemed to attack them aggressively, a spark ignited a broader based demonstration. As a result tourism, the life blood of many in the town especially around Christmas, was wiped out. No one came, except Rosemary & me & a few other hearty souls.
The evening we arrived we went down to the town square, a jewel with giant shade trees, sidewalk cafes on three sides, Christmas lights, kids, families, balloons, perfect weather, and a beautiful gazebo in the middle. A band was playing at the gazebo. Lined up in front of the band were a hundred or so chairs. People were dancing. We danced. It was enchanting. At one point as we stood listening to the music, a woman walked up to us and said in English, “Thank you for coming to Oaxaca this year.”
I was stunned almost into silence and struck by two things.
First, that she came forward and thanked us. The gift of thanks again.
Secondly, that our presence was a gift to her and the people.
This is what the three kings did. They came, they shared their presence and each shared a special gift, gold, frankincense, & myrrh.
I would suggest that we, too, are challenged to present ourselves to others with our special gifts. What are the gifts?
I think our presence in that magical town square brought at least support & encouragement. If I ask myself what I want to give to another it is peace, acceptance, and fun.
What special gifts do you want to give to your people? (Please feel free to post a comment answering the question.)
Special Thanks:
For reading, Jean Atwood & Scott Shaw
For the Altar Bread, Ray & Claire Occhipinti
For Serving, Carmen & Ashley
For the Altar & donuts, Margie Dugan & Jackie Ritter
For the Books & Communion Cups, Roy & Carol Strom, & Beth Robinson
For ushering & all sorts of jobs, Cliff Wright
For the music, Ray & Shonda, Roy, Hue, Rick & Jackie