Dear Parishioners,
 
     This Sunday we celebrate the Solemnity of the Epiphany, recalling the journey and arrival of the three Magi from the East to worship Jesus as the newborn king.  Because they were not from the Jewish community and did not discover Jesus’ birth by way of the prophets or the message of angels, but instead through their study of the stars, the Church has seen their arrival as a sign that Jesus’ mission of salvation extends to all people.  In other words, the celebration of Epiphany expands the scope of Christmas, emphasizing that Christ came to be the Prince of Peace for everyone, not just for a select few disciples or followers from a particular region of the world. 
 
     Though the wise men are often depicted serenely offering their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the Christ child, Epiphany actually celebrates one of the most revolutionary themes of our faith, one that caused Catholics a lot of trouble from the beginning.  For what their arrival proclaims is the universal authority of Jesus Christ.  He is not merely a god among many, one of many prophets who reveal the divine, or the leader of a particular religion or sect.  The way that the Magi found Jesus through reasoning and research reveals that he is the incarnate presence of the origin of the universe itself, the same God who is the source of life and truth for every man, woman, and child.  Acknowledging him as King and Lord of all creation is not like choosing your favorite color or favorite flavor of ice cream.  It is like acknowledging that 2 + 2 = 4: not a preferred choice for some: but a universal reality for everyone. 
 
     For this reason, Christ has never played well with other gods, or Christianity with other religions.  In fact, the first Christians preferred for our beliefs not to be called religion, but philosophy: not a way of worshipping the divine among many, but a foundational assertion about the truth.  And truth that applies to all people, no matter what religion, region, race, or culture they might come from.  
 
     Why does this kind of language make people nervous?  Because it is a strong claim of authority.  A king is no concern to those who do not live in his kingdom.   The wise men made Herod nervous for the same reason that Christianity has made people nervous from the beginning: their presence proclaims that Jesus Christ is King of the Universe.  It’s not that we choose to make him a part of our world, but that he chooses to make us a part of his.  Coming to faith in him is not a turn on the path of life, it is discovering the source: the way, the truth, and the life. 
 
     The three kings show us the true extent of the sovereignty of Christ the King.  They also teach us not to be afraid of his authority as Herod was.  For he does not crush the weak or the lowly or lord his authority over us.  He has come into the world as a baby, meek and mild, to save us and bring us peace.  The Magi were overjoyed at the news of his birth because his promise of salvation and peace is not just for some, but for everyone.  Know of my prayers for you and your families this Christmas season!