Epiphany C

The Wise Men

2019 years ago, a star appeared.

Theoretical Astrophysicist, Grant Mathews, University of Notre Dame

Feb. 20, 6 B.C., when Mars, Jupiter and Saturn aligned in the constellation Pisces. (Judea)

I love it when contemporary science confirms what is written in Scripture.

The wise men were watching the signs of the times – they were paying attention.

They were seekers – and they set out on a journey – led by a star.

The first global positioning satellite – The first GPS – and how many of us rely on GPS today – it lets us know where we are and where we are going.

When I was a child – we had a manger scene – and the star fit right on top of the stable – in fact – there was a slot in the roof for it!

I do not think that it was quite like that for the wise men. Their study pointed them in a direction.

Once they got to Judea – they asked questions. They were seekers, searchers…people with a dream.

They came from different lands – and were not afraid to travel to another land in search of what would fulfill their quest. They followed the star, and they found Jesus.

Once finding him – they bowed down before him - they worshiped him.

They opened their treasures – they gave him their gifts.

They went back a different way – they were different – somehow changed by the journey and by this infant king that they had found.

Epiphany is a manifestation – an event or action that clearly embodies something, especially something abstract. It makes a vision real.

And what is that vision?

• God’s vision of salvation for all of creation – made manifest in Jesus Christ.
• This vision includes the gathering of all peoples into God’s embrace.
• Eliminating racial, ethnic, religious, social, and national divisions
• A manifestation that all people are of one body – syssomos (see so mos - Greek)

St. Paul writes about this to the Ephesians: Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and copartners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the Gospel.

If Jews and Gentiles are called to be of “one body,” so are all nations, races, and religions…we still struggle with this. We are not there yet.

But Epiphany reminds us that syssomos is God’s plan.

It is a vision – but not a pipe dream. It is possible.

All nations are invited to sing the Lord’s praises, for they have been called to hear the good news and worship the long-awaited Messiah and King with the gift of their lives.

This vision can be made a reality.

It is what we are called to work for.

We must heal divisions. We must work to bring peace.

Isaiah prophesies: Nations shall walk by your light…kings by your shining radiance…They all come to you…

Darkness covers the earth, and thick clouds cover the people,

But upon you the Lord shines and over you appear his glory.

Peace on earth begins here – with us. It begins in our families, our parish, our neighborhoods, our peninsula, doing our part to show that peace is not a pipe dream! It can be a manifestation. Peace can be a reality.

Some examples:

• On Washington Island – we rent the Lutheran Church for Mass on Saturday or Sunday. We share musicians, we share space, we have mutual respect for each other’s traditions.
• Thanksgiving Eve ecumenical prayer service with Immanuel Lutheran Church in Baileys Harbor. Beautiful liturgy – Wonderful fellowship afterwards. They hosted this year. It is our turn in 2025.
• We rented Stella Maris Fish Creek to the Fish Creek Community Church during their building project they not only paid their rent and took great care of the facility, but they offered us the organ that they removed in the renovation of their church to us – free of charge!
• The Food pantries in Door County – including our 24/7 – a re ecumenical.
• Loaves and fishes is ecumenical.
• Service from our St. Vincent de Paul Society is open to all who are in need – regardless of their religious denomination or their lack of denomination.

All of this is wonderful!

• but there is a big challenge ahead. The election is over. Can we help to bring peace to our country? Heal the wounds? Can we hold our elected representatives accountable to work for the common good and get the work done?
• What about in our families? As we reflect on our Christmas gatherings. Were there people who were missing from the table? Do we know why?
• Were there others in our parish who were alone for Christmas?

When the Magi found the baby Jesus, they opened their treasuries and poured forth gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Can we open our hearts and pour forth our gives of listening, understanding, respect, care, and love?

Can we give your time and talent?

The road to peace is a difficult journey.

Knowing that, Jesus walks with us. He gives us food for the journey.

We come here each week to be fed by

• The community – the presence of one another and the Spirit of God among us – wherever two or three are gathered in my name…I am there.
• The word of God and our reflection on it
• The very presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist.
  • Jesus loved us so much that he did not hesitate to die for us.
  • And he created a way that he could be with us forever – on our journey. He created a way that he could give us his very self each day of our lives in the Eucharist.

Prayer

Remember us O God.

From age to age be our comforter.

You have given us the wonder of time,

blessings in days and nights, seasons, and years.

Bless your children at the turning of the year

and fill the months ahead with the bright hope

that is ours in the coming of Christ.

Hope for peace, for justice and for love.

You are our God, living and reigning, forever and ever.

Amen.