JOURNEYING TOGETHER | The Word Exposed with Cardinal Tagle (January 5, 2025) with Sign Language

Summary

This homily reflects on the Epiphany of the Lord, celebrating the manifestation of Jesus to the Magi and highlighting God's universal saving plan. It connects biblical themes from Isaiah, Ephesians, and Matthew to emphasize light, unity, and fraternity among nations. The Magi’s journey symbolizes how all people, regardless of background, are called to journey toward the light of Christ. The homily challenges believers to embrace this unity and avoid division, reflecting on the path they choose and the transformative power of encountering Jesus, the light of the world.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Epiphany of the Lord celebrates the manifestation of God in the Child Jesus to the Magi, symbolizing the universality of God's saving plan.
• 😀 The Magi, guided by a star, journey from the East to honor the newborn king, demonstrating the call for people of all nations to unite in seeking Jesus.
• 😀 The first reading from Isaiah highlights Jerusalem’s restoration and the promise that the light of the Lord will attract nations from all over the world.
• 😀 St. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians reveals that in Christ, both Jews and Gentiles are co-members of the same body, united by the gospel.
• 😀 The Christian message is one of universal fraternity, inviting all people to journey together in faith, transcending cultural and national boundaries.
• 😀 The light from the Lord is not meant to threaten others but to draw all people toward goodness and peace, as depicted in Isaiah’s prophecy.
• 😀 The second reading emphasizes that in Christ, divisions between Jews and Gentiles are broken down, allowing all to be part of one Christian community.
• 😀 The Magi’s refusal to return to Herod symbolizes the choice of a path of peace and unity over division and violence.
• 😀 The Gospel reading emphasizes the Magi’s journey, guided by both the stars and the Word of God, as they seek the newborn Jesus in Bethlehem.
• 😀 The feast of the Epiphany calls for reflection on the choices we make: do we choose the light of Jesus or the path of division represented by Herod?

Q & A

What is the significance of the Epiphany of the Lord as discussed in the transcript?

The Epiphany of the Lord celebrates the manifestation of God in the Child Jesus to the Magi from the East. It highlights God's revelation of His Son to the Gentiles, symbolizing the universality of His saving plan for all nations.

How does the first reading from the Book of Isaiah relate to the theme of Epiphany?

In the first reading, Isaiah prophesies the coming light of the Lord that will shine upon Jerusalem, drawing nations from around the world to it. This foreshadows the birth of Jesus, the Light of the world, which draws people of all nations together.

What is the message conveyed by the psalm 'Every Nation on Earth Will Adore You'?

The psalm emphasizes the universal adoration and worship of God by all nations. It reflects the prophetic vision of the kings and peoples of the earth coming together to honor the Lord, recognizing His reign and justice.

What does St. Paul reveal in his letter to the Ephesians about the Gentiles?

St. Paul reveals that the mystery of Christ, hidden in previous generations, is now revealed. He states that Gentiles, non-Jews, are now co-heirs of the promises of God, becoming members of the same body in Christ, sharing equal dignity with the Jews.

How does the Gospel reading from Matthew relate to the message of Epiphany?

The Gospel of Matthew recounts the visit of the Magi, who, guided by a star, seek out the newborn King of the Jews. Their journey signifies the recognition of Jesus as the universal King, not just of the Jews but of all nations, fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah.

What is the significance of the gifts offered by the Magi?

The gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh offered by the Magi represent different aspects of Jesus' identity: gold symbolizes His kingship, frankincense His divinity, and myrrh His future death and burial.

What does the sermon suggest about the Christian calling in light of the Epiphany?

The sermon emphasizes the Christian calling to witness and practice universal fraternity, showing that followers of Jesus should promote unity and walk together despite cultural or national differences, guided by the light of Christ.

What role does light play in the readings and the theme of Epiphany?

Light symbolizes God's presence and guidance. In the readings, light is a metaphor for God's revelation and grace, guiding both the Jews and Gentiles towards unity and the recognition of Jesus as the Savior of all nations.

Why does the sermon encourage Christians to choose the light of Christ rather than the path of division?

The sermon warns against following the path of division, represented by King Herod, who sought to eliminate the perceived threat of Jesus. Instead, Christians are urged to follow the light of Christ, which leads to peace, unity, and a world without division.

What lesson can be learned from the Magi's decision not to return to Herod?

The Magi's decision not to return to Herod after being warned in a dream symbolizes the transformative power of encountering Christ. It shows that true faith leads to a change in direction, rejecting paths of violence and division in favor of peace and truth.