Fr. Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie, MSP - Homily for the Epiphany Year B - January 3, 2021

SUNDAY 3RD JANUARY 2021

SOLEMNITY OF THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD

Isaiah 60:1-6, psalm 72, Ephesians 3:2-3:5-6, Matthew 2:1-12

SALVATION IS FOR ALL

The Epiphany of the Lord is the manifestation of Jesus to the whole world as the light that has come to chase away the darkness in our world. The world was truly in darkness before the birth of Christ.

When Jesus came into our world, the Jews thought that he had brought salvation for them alone. They did not see those who were not Jews as humans, they thought we were all pagans. It is shocking therefore for them to hear that people from far away pagan territories in the East, also came to look for Jesus. They would have wondered what concerned pagans with Christ. That Jesus was revealed to the wise men who are not Jews, shows vividly that Jesus is for all of us.

In the first reading of today, the prophet Isaiah tells us that when Jesus enters our world, he will become the light that will chase all darkness away. In addition, he said that peoples from various parts of the world will come and pay him homage and offer him gifts.

We see it in the gospel reading of today, as men from far away east came to greet Jesus. It is exactly what Isaiah prophesied in the first reading that took place. They offered him gold which shows his Office as a king, frankincense which shows that he is a priest, and myrrh whic foretells his future death and burial.

We are therefore called to rejoice and be glad today because we all have been included in the plan of human salvation. Today is a day to ask ourselves the gifts we have given to Jesus this season. Many of us have received gifts even before Christmas started. What gifts are you ready to give to Jesus in the manger before it is removed from the church? You may not have gold or frankincense or myrrh for him, he surely does not need it again, but he is asking you to offer  him any vice or bad habit. Offer something to Jesus as your new year resolution and he will help you achieve it. God help us.

Fr Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie, MSP