Listen For Christ

A Reflection on the Second Reading for January 5th, 2019:
​The Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord

Ephesians 3.2-3a, 5-6

Brothers and sisters: Surely you have already heard of the commission of God’s grace that was given me for you, and how the mystery was made known to me by revelation.

In former generations this mystery was not made known to humankind as it has now been revealed to his holy Apostles and Prophets by the Spirit: that is, the Gentiles have become fellow heirs, members of the same body, and sharers in the promise in Christ Jesus through the Gospel.

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During the season of Christmas, the Church enters a disposition of receiving. Listen to the scripture passages and you’ll hear her echo – repeating over and over the message that Christ has come to us and for us. The beauty of this brief passage is its reminder that Jesus did not come only for the Jewish People, but also for the Gentiles. He is Emmanuel for all.

Let’s look closely at this familiar sequence of receptions. Mary and Joseph receive their newborn child, and their reception fulfills the promise God made to Israel. The angels send lonely and lowly Shepherds to greet Jesus – people who worked hard, often lived in poverty, and were distant from others. They allude to past biblical figures who played significant roles in salvation history, and they prophetically greet the one who is the Lamb of God. And finally, the Wise Men arrive at their charted destination after following the light of the brightest star to greet the Light of the World.

I’ve heard it said that in Jewish Tradition, what God does or reveals “last” is typically believed to be what He intended from the very beginning. I’m not sure what the source of this thought is, or if it is true, but the spirit of it rings true when I observe the order of the nativity events. The Epiphany, coming in last, reveals that Christ is the Light of the Gentiles – of the whole world. This revelation is what God intended from the beginning, in making Israel a chosen people. They were set apart for a purpose, and this mission may have been forgotten by some or not fully understood – but here God gives us a sign that reveals what He desired – to be received by and united with all of humanity.

We can take this gift for granted, especially with the distractions of secular culture which moved on from Christmas by Boxing Day and is already preparing Valentines and Easter candies. But we are still celebrating Christmas, and the Holy Spirit wants to invite us, after Advent’s season of silence and waiting in darkness, to enter a time of listening. Listen for Christ, the Word, babbling and cooing and being with us as a child who has a great truth He wants to share. We are intended, chosen, and loved.



Kendra Lang

Photo by humberto chavez on Unsplash

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