These are the final moments of the Christmas season and on it we celebrate the feast of the Epiphany. The word "epiphany" is significant. It is defined as "a moment of sudden revelation or insight.” That is one dimension of what we commemorate today; the fact that wise men from east (Kings, Magi, or whatever else we call them), realized that something extraordinary was happening and journeyed for months to find the newborn king and savior of the world. Another aspect of our celebration is the gifts the Magi brought to the Christ child. Gold for a king, Frankincense for God, and Myrrh to foreshadow his death on the cross. Looking over my homilies from years past, I realized I focussed on these themes in one way or another for the past decade. Why not mix things up and reflect on the Epiphany from a different angle?
Giving gifts is not an easy thing to do. To be more precise, giving a personal and meaningful gift is not easy. It’s not simply a matter of spending more money, although sometimes that is a factor. It’s not just about surprising someone or wrapping it perfectly, although these can play a role. It’s not even about what the gift might be, whether that be a tangible object, an experience, or even words. What really makes a perfect gift is the mysterious combination of thoughtfulness, self-sacrifice, and love which are all embodied in the gift given, whatever that may be. More often than not, the actual gift is less important than the thought and effort behind it.
I’ve seen this truth hold up as my family and my parents have gotten older. What matters most to them is not receiving money or other large gifts which we can now afford because we have jobs. Rather, the present they ask for most is to have their children and grandchildren around them to visit, share meals, and just enjoy each other’s company. This quality time together often means more to our loved ones than the new Lexus with the red bow or some other flashy gift because it is the sharing of our self. This sort of gift is irreplaceably personal and sometimes feels more costly than a fat stack of cash because only we can give it; no one, no thing can stand in our place.
Back to the Epiphany. Even more beautiful, precious, and pleasing to God than the gold, frankincense, and Myrrh of the Wise Men was the fact that they brought it themselves. They were rich and powerful men, they easily could have sent envoys to present these treasures on their behalf. Instead, they personally took the months-long journey, with all the hardship, uncertainty, and inconvenience involved so they could present their gifts with their own hands and see the Christ-Child with their own eyes. That is the true beauty behind their gold, frankincense and myrrh. These material objects represent the more profound gift of their love, reverence, and humility.
How does this apply to our life? First of all, the same principles hold true. God doesn’t need stuff. If there was some item he needed, he could just create it without our help. But there is something he wants, that only we can give. God wants our love and our friendship. When he created us, he gave humanity something no other animal has, the gift of free will. What this means is that we can choose to either give or withhold love from God and each other. No one can force us to love. Each human person has that incredible gift to give and receive but it must be done freely. Not even God will force us to love him.
Take some time this weekend to think of all the blessings God shares with you, —-with your family and loved ones. Try to think of something good in your life that cannot be traced back to the Lord. It’s not possible because everything, every breath, every heartbeat, every life, every joy, and every happiness originates from Him.
With a god as good as our God, what gift could we possibly give back to him that would have any meaning or significance?! Amazingly, the possibilities are boundless, but the principles of giving a good gift to another person can guide us. Our gifts to God are perfect when they are characterized by thoughtfulness, self-sacrifice, and love. When you give some of your hard-earned income to support this parish and the many charitable initiatives of the Church and you do so thoughtfully, sacrificially, and with love, then, whether that gift is $5 or $5000, it is pleasing to God. The same is true of how you spend your time on this earth and the talents God has entrusted to your care. If you share them freely, lovingly and deliberately with God and others, then they become a perfect Gift to God and a blessing to those around you.
One last thought. God has actually given us some clues as to what gifts He likes the most. Through the commandments, Scripture and guidance of the Church, we learn he is most pleased by the same gifts that delight our moms and dads. He wants to spend quality time with his children and he loves it when his family comes together for the celebration of a meal. Concrete examples would include adoration and quiet personal prayer. But above all else, what gladdens God’s heart is what we are doing right now, coming to Mass, each and every week, as one spiritual family, to share a meal and spend quality time together. In recent times, we have forgotten this and often look at Mass mainly in terms of what we get out of it and how late can I be for it still to count. We almost feel like God owes us for being here and forget that our weekly worship in church is the one small thing God asks in return for the countless kindnesses he showers on us. Our gathering here at Mass, which seems so simple and almost insignificant, is one of the most meaningful gifts we can ever give to God, so long as we try to participate in ways that are thoughtful, sacrificial, and loving. May this Mass and every Mass we attend gladden the heart of God and imitate the gifts of the Wise Men.
