Pope at Epiphany Mass: God’s
gentle light shines in humble love
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| Pope Francis at Mass on the Solemnity of the Epiphany. (Vatican Media) |
In his homily at Mass on the Solemnity of the Epiphany, Pope
Francis invites us to imitate the Magi by recognizing God’s gentle light and by
freely helping those who suffer.
By Devin Watkins
Jesus reveals himself to all the nations in a gentle light
that shines in humble love.
Pope Francis made that remark in his homily on Sunday, as he
reflected on the Epiphany of the Lord. “Epiphany”, he noted, indicates the
manifestation of the Lord. “The symbol of this event is light, which reaches
and enlightens everything.”
He said the manner in which God revealed Himself is
surprising. The Gospels contrast the powerful of the earth and their palaces
with the humble abode where Jesus is born. “None of the powerful of the time
realized that the Lord of history was born exactly in their days,” he said.
“Herein lies the surprise: God does not emerge at the
forefront of the world in order to manifest Himself.”
Power or love
Pope Francis said we might be tempted to shine the spotlight
on the illustrious men of Jesus’ time. We might think it would have been better
if Jesus was born in Rome, so that “the whole empire would have immediately
become Christian.”
But, he said, God does not go to those who shine with their
own light. “God offers Himself, He does not impose Himself; He enlightens, but
He does not dazzle.”
The Holy Father said we often think we are working for the
Gospel when we chase after the limelight. But, he noted, God’s “gentle light
shines in humble love.”
Pope Francis said the Church is not “the sun of humanity”.
Rather, it is “the moon, which, despite its shadows, reflects the true light,
which is the Lord: He is the light of the world.”
Stay or go
God’s light, he said, “shines in those who are willing to
receive it.” So we have to get up and walk, unlike the scribes Herod consulted
who knew where the Messiah was born but did not go and see.
The Magi are our guides, he said. They take a different
path, “the way of humble love.” They left their homes to become pilgrims along
God’s path. “For, only those who leave their worldly possessions behind and set
off on the path find the mystery of God.”
Look or enter
Pope Francis said we have to find that place where Jesus is
born and go there. “It is not enough to know that Jesus was born, like Herod,
if we do not encounter him.”
The Magi, the Pope said, “do not discuss, but walk; they do
not stay outside to look, but enter into Jesus’ house. They do not put
themselves at the center, but prostrate themselves before Him, who is the
center. They are not set in their plans, but are prepared to walk other paths.”
Adore, pray, and help others
Finally, Pope Francis said the Magi’s gifts to Jesus teach
us three things.
Gold, he said, means “God must be given the first place” and
that we must adore Him. Frankincense, symbolizing our relationship with the
Lord, is an invitation to “burn” some time in prayer. And myrrh, which will be
used to perfume Jesus’ dead body in the tomb, shows us the importance of
helping our suffering brothers and sisters.
“Mercy is precious in God’s eyes when it is extended to
those who have no way of returning the favor”.
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