Epiphany Sermon (Year A)

This morning, we celebrate the feast of the Epiphany –
That Ah-HA! moment where the divinity of Jesus is being made known clearly and broadly…

For some – this is amazing news, the fulfillment of the prophesy from Isaiah – Arise, shine, for your light has come! The promise of a Messiah, a Saviour – a light shining into the darkness of the world – this is great news.

For others, it is not welcome. Herod, for example, is now realising that his worst fears are more than just fears.
Another ruler – being sought out by magi – the seers from afar, the folks who are in tune with the other-worldly signs – that apparently Herod’s own advisors and supporters have not recognised or shared with him.
It’s no wonder that the magi are warned not to reconnect with Herod before the headed back to their homes.
Choosing to go another way – both physically, by roads that did not go back to the centre of town; but also culturally, as they ignore the societal norm of announcing their departure as a means of protecting Jesus’ family, and likely themselves, from coming into harm.

So the divinity is becoming known. Even while still a young child, Jesus causes great struggle and controversy: as his mere presence shines a light on those who would serve God – and on those who would serve empire.

It’s sadly, a division that continues to exist in our world today;
as we hear of wars and conflicts,
of devastation as distraction,
of rulers overstepping their bounds and rights to exert violence and control.
The complexity of international politics and governance remains a delicate and brutal place;
the justifications and excuses as human rights and dignities are stripped away at alarming rates.
We know the news this weekend has not been that of peace; we pray for safety in the week ahead.

And part of what can bring us through the horrors of the headlines that we read is that same thing that brought the magi to their intended purpose in God’s story – and took them away, we presume safely home.
How they teach us to do that is three-fold:
:Keeping our focus on God
:Using and sharing the gifts that we have been called to share
:Staying faithful to our role as messengers of God’s Good News


So let’s consider the inclusion of the magi in Matthew’s account of the early life of Jesus for what it is – a lesson to us all as we encounter the divine.

For the magi, the long-awaited prophesy of a light coming into the world was likely not culturally central to them: these folks were not Jewish, they were not local, they were not involved in the tradition that was waiting on that light.
What they were is faithful: they knew that when a star appears, moving differently than the other stars; shining more brilliantly than they’d ever seen… clearly the creator of the universe was trying to send a message.

And so they responded: coming from their home countries, in their own timelines, with their own entourages, doing the best they could to be faithful to God, and respectful of local custom.
Yet when they introduced themselves to Herod, and realised this was not going to be a “good guy” in the history; they renewed their faithfulness to God.
They didn’t start conflict with Herod – they knew that wouldn’t help – but they opted not to follow his directions moving forward.
Their resistance to Herod’s violence can inspire those of us looking for our own way forward in the world.

Then, the using and sharing of gifts.
We learn of three gifts that are offered: each portable, valuable, and marketable: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Let’s consider them for a moment:

GOLD, we know, is a precious metal, to this day a valuable commodity. Our society even set a standard by it – our currency exchanges are based on it – and around the world, the attraction of gold remains now much as it did in biblical times.
The gift of Gold is a symbol of financial stability – security, even. It was what may have funded the flight into Egypt for Jesus’ family, and provided their physical well-being in those tumultuous times.
The gift of financial means that we have today allows us to engage in ministry; to assist those experiencing need; to reach out to the community; to be a house of prayer for all who seek it.

FRANKINCENSE was a rare and extremely fragrant resin that took time and skill to procure; burned in worship as an offering or oblation to God in the temple. To smell this type of incense reminded people of holy things, orienting their hearts and minds to prayer.
Frankincense was a call to prayer and to spiritual solace, a sensual reminder of the home place, of communal connection with God and with one another.
For Mary and Joseph, this rooted their souls in the people and traditions that they had left, and would need to flee from.
For us, we carry with us reminders of our own spiritual journey: of people and experiences that have formed us; of the Holy Spirit speaking to us in ways we cannot fully explain (or maybe even understand) – but that we know were holy. Of our shared ministries: of prayer, of companionship, of kindness, of love.

Finally: MYRRH. A rare spice that came from far-off regions of Arabia. It was mysterious and pungent and bitter – and used as part of the anointing practices at time of burial. It spoke of Jesus’ humanity, foreshadowing what was to come, and confirming for Mary what she had been told all along.
While myrrh denotes the symbolism of death, we also see within it a practice of intentionality, compassion, and caring. The respectful preparation of earthly remains shows a gift of time and tradition, this practice took time and experience to learn, and was a blessing from the women to use it properly, with the ones deeply loved, despite their own personal grief and suffering.
From our own relationships, we honour each other with our attentive presence, and with the sharing of our time and skills.

Truly, these gifts to the Holy Family also inspire us to consider the gifts that we have received, and the gifts that God invites us to share.
Gold: the gift of financial treasure.
Frankincense: the gift of spiritual treasure.
Myrrh: the gift of relationship treasure.

Which of course brings us to the third teaching of the magi: The reminder and encouragement to Stay faithful to our role as messengers of God’s Good News.
For we all share the opportunity to share the good news: of how the light and glory of God is brighter than any of the darkness creeping in.

So as we begin this new year, let us ponder anew how we can use the gifts that we have been given to make the world a healthier, happier, holier place.

We can shine the light; because we have received it.
We can act in love; because we are loved.
We can extend great joy; because we are joy-filled.
And we can arise and shine; because the glory of the Lord is upon us all.

Wherever our road takes us, may we be faithful in our journey, never forgetting the Good News that has been gifted to us.
Amen.