The Epiphany of the Lord

The Gospel reading for the Feast of the Epiphany contrasts the humility of the wise men with the pride and indifference of King Herod, the chief priests, and the scribes. It challenges us to reflect on how we approach Christ: with faith and humility or with pride and complacency.

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The Humility of the Wise Men

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The wise men, despite being kings or scholars of high status, embarked on a long, uncertain journey guided only by a star. They sought the infant King with faith and determination, saying, “We have seen His star in the east and have come to pay Him homage.”

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Their humility and wisdom are evident in their willingness to acknowledge the greatness of the Christ child and worship Him, offering precious gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Though they didn’t know the exact place of His birth, their faith led them to Bethlehem. This demonstrates that true wisdom comes not from worldly knowledge but from a heart open to God’s guidance.

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The Pride and Fear of Herod

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In contrast, King Herod, consumed by pride and fear, saw the newborn King as a threat to his throne. Instead of rejoicing in the fulfillment of God’s promise, he was disturbed. His reaction was driven by a desire to protect his earthly power at all costs. Herod represents those who allow pride and fear to blind them to the truth, resisting God’s plan rather than embracing it.

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The Indifference of the Chief Priests and Scribes

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Equally striking is the indifference of the chief priests and scribes. Though they had the knowledge of the Scriptures and knew where the Messiah was to be born, they did not make any effort to seek Him. They were physically close to the Lord, yet spiritually distant—so near, yet so far.

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Their behavior highlights a stark reality: knowledge without faith or action is empty. Their lack of humility and disinterest stand in contrast to the wise men, who traveled great distances and faced uncertainties to worship the Lord.

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A Lesson for Us: Near Yet Far

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The chief priests, scribes, and Herod symbolize those who are close to the Lord in knowledge or proximity but remain far in faith and humility. They knew of the Messiah but lacked the heart to seek Him. This serves as a reminder for us that being "near" God through religious rituals or intellectual understanding is not enough. True closeness comes from a humble and faithful heart willing to follow His light.

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The Wise Men’s New Path

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​After finding and worshiping the Christ child, the wise men returned home by a different route, avoiding Herod. This symbolizes the transformation that occurs when we encounter Christ. True worship calls for a change in direction—a break from old habits, pride, or attachments that keep us from fully living in the light of faith.

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A Warning About the ‘Herods’ in Life

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Herod represents the forces in our lives that attempt to rob us of faith: pride, fear, complacency, or worldly distractions. Just as the wise men avoided Herod, we too must avoid old paths, relationships, or circumstances that keep us distant from Christ. Faith requires courage to leave behind what no longer serves our spiritual growth.

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Practical Applications

The Gospel invites us to examine our own hearts:

• Are we like the wise men, humbly seeking and worshiping Christ with faith?

• Or are we like Herod, the chief priests, and scribes—near in knowledge but far in spirit, hindered by pride or indifference?

The wise men remind us that distance, uncertainty, or lack of knowledge is no obstacle for those with faith and humility. On the other hand, those who stay away from coming to the Lord, like Herod and the religious leaders, are often held back by their pride, lack of faith, or unwillingness to change.

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As we celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany, let us resolve to seek Christ with humility and faith, allowing His light to transform our lives. May we have the wisdom to draw near to Him, not just in knowledge but in heart, and the courage to walk a new path that leads to His eternal presence.

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Fr. Vincent Barboza