Feast of the Epiphany | January 8, 2023 | Fr. Witold Kaczmarzyk
Tomorrow is the end of the Christmas Season—the Baptism of the Lord, when Jesus Christ begins his ministry.—Fr. Witold Kaczmarzyk
“You can leave your decorations up until February 2nd! This was the tradition before Vatican II, and I do it. You can do it as well.”—Fr. Witold Kaczmarzyk
Gold: Means God is King
Frankincense: God is the God Man sent to us here on earth to be worshiped “In Christian symbolism, frankincense can represent Christ's sacrifice.”
Myrrh: An oil used in the preparation of death—used in embalming
Two different responses of Christ’s arrival:
King Herod: Terrified. Not sane. He was a puppet who was also afraid to lose his crown. He killed his wife and several children, and many years later, on his death bed, he ordered thousands of his best servants and ministers to be led into a stadium and slaughtered. He did so to ensure mourning upon his death.
The Magi:
Came to pay homage. They came with great rejoicing. Instead of protecting and coveting their treasures, they gave it all to God.
Whenever Christ enters our lives—which He does every day—we must choose in whose steps we must follow. Are we afraid to do God’s will or do we rejoice?
Pope Benedict XVI’s inaugural homily: “Are we all not perhaps afraid in some way? If we let Christ enter fully into our lives, if we open ourselves totally to him, are we not afraid that he might take something away from us? Are we not perhaps afraid to give up something significant, something unique, something that makes life so beautiful? No. If we let Christ into our lives, we lose nothing. Nothing. Absolutely nothing of what makes life free, beautiful, and great. Only in this friendship are the doors of life opened wide; only in this friendship is the great potential of human existence; and only in this friendship do we experience beauty. And so, today, with great strength and great conviction, on the basis of long, personal experience of life, I say to you, do not be afraid of Christ.”
https://www.vatican.va/content/benedict-xvi/en/homilies/2005/documents/hf_ben-xvi_hom_20050424_inizio-pontificato.html#:~:text=Are%20we%20not%20perhaps%20all,that%20makes%20life%20so%20beautiful%3F
Why did Herod try to destroy Jesus, but the Magi tried to worship him?
One major difference: Humility —Fr. Witold Kaczmarzyk
“To become more like the Magi, we must know ourselves. We must know the level of our selfishness, because then we will be able to kneel before the Lord, and give him our gifts and sacrifices.”—Fr. Witold Kaczmarzyk
“When potential opposition shows up, do we do what Herod did? Do we try to stop any obstacle? When things don’t go my way, do I explode like Herod?”—Fr. Witold Kaczmarzyk
“When the Magi arrived in Jerusalem, the star suddenly disappeared, so their plans were foiled. What did they do? They looked for another solution. They persevered in doing good, and this is how God wants us to act. We need to learn to trust God in all circumstances—whatever happens in our lives. He’s in charge. He is God. He is wise and all understanding.”—Fr. Witold Kaczmarzyk
“Today, after Holy Communion, let’s ask God for the strength to fight against the Herod in our hearts—to have the courage and perseverance of the Magi. The Mass should change something in you.”—Fr. Witold Kaczmarzyk
‘If you come close to God, and if you really pay him homage, you really have to change.”—paraphrased from many saints
“It’s about changing your life for better.” —Fr. Witold Kaczmarzyk
“Let’s ask ourselves today, ‘Do I really do anything? Do I really change my life? And if I don’t, let’s ask God to help. I don’t want to be Herod—I don’t want to kill you in my life, I really want to listen to you, because you are the King.”—Fr. Witold Kaczmarzyk
