Sunday Gospel Reflection by Bishop Parkes: This weekend we remember and celebrate the Epiphany of Our Lord. It is the time when the newborn king of the Jews is revealed to the nations as was foretold by the prophets. The Jews had been awaiting a messiah for many generations. But now, Christ the Lord is recognized as king by gentiles who are non-believers.
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Read the Gospel reflection by Bishop Parkes below or click here to listen to it.
Being like the Magi
"And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” – MT 2: 9-11
This weekend we remember and celebrate the Epiphany of Our Lord. It is the time when the newborn king of the Jews is revealed to the nations as was foretold by the prophets. The Jews had been awaiting a messiah for many generations. But now, Christ the Lord is recognized as king by gentiles who are non-believers. Yet they came to know and understand the significance of this miraculous birth.
The magi, or “wise men”, as we have come to know them, recognized the signs that something significant was taking place. They were astronomers who looked to the stars for signs about what was happening. They saw a new star rising in the sky such as they had never seen before. The ruler, King Herod, was jealous and troubled by this revelation of a newborn king in his territory. He felt threatened that someone else – let alone an infant – might challenge his power. Meanwhile the magi, upon finding the child, paid homage by offering precious and meaningful gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
As we move through the Christmas narrative, it’s interesting to note that that the people who were considered most important in society at that time were not the ones to receive the revelation of the birth of this child. The chief priests, temple officials, the secular king, and other authorities were all outside characters. It was the humble and lowly shepherds, and the magi that were the first to receive the good news of the Savior’s birth and found their way to the child. Christ was in their presence, but the local authorities failed to recognize Him, and would always be threatened by Him until the time of His death.
Is it still that way in our world today? Do we recognize the promptings of the Holy Spirit in our lives that are calling us to a closer relationship with Jesus Christ? While you may not have gold, frankincense and myrrh to offer, the best gift you can give Jesus in this new year is your heart and soul. Make a resolution this year for Jesus Christ to be the King of your life.
Ser como los Reyes Magos
“…y de pronto la estrella que habían visto surgir, comenzó a guiarlos, hasta que se detuvo encima de donde estaba el niño. Al ver de nuevo la estrella, se llenaron de inmensa alegría. Entraron en la casa y vieron al niño con María, su madre, y postrándose, lo adoraron. Después, abriendo sus cofres, le ofrecieron regalos: oro, incienso y mirra”. – Mt 2, 9-11
Este fin de semana recordamos y celebramos la Epifanía de nuestro Señor. Es el momento en que el recién nacido Rey de los judíos se manifiesta a las naciones como fue predicho por los profetas. Los judíos habían estado esperando un mesías durante muchas generaciones. Pero ahora, Cristo el Señor es reconocido como rey por los paganos, o sea, por los no creyentes; pero, sin embargo, llegaron a conocer y comprender el significado de este nacimiento milagroso.
Los magos reconocieron las señales de que algo significativo estaba ocurriendo. Eran astrónomos, que buscaban en las estrellas una respuesta para lo que estaba sucediendo. Vieron en lo alto del cielo una nueva estrella como nunca antes habían visto. El rey Herodes estaba celoso y preocupado por esta revelación de un rey recién nacido en su territorio. Se sentía amenazado porque otra persona, y mucho menos un bebé, pudiera desafiar su poder. Mientras tanto, los magos encontraron al Niño, le rindieron homenaje ofreciéndole los regalos preciosos y significativos de oro, incienso y mirra.
A medida que nos adentramos en la narrativa navideña es interesante notar que las personas que fueron consideradas más importantes en la sociedad de aquel momento no eran las que recibían la revelación del nacimiento de este Niño. Los sumos sacerdotes, oficiales del templo, el rey secular y otras autoridades eran todos personajes externos. Fueron los sencillos y humildes pastores y los magos, los primeros en recibir la buena nueva del nacimiento del Salvador, y los que encontraron el camino para llegar al Niño. Cristo estaba en presencia de ellos, pero las autoridades locales no lo reconocieron y siempre se sentirían amenazadas por él hasta el momento de su muerte.
¿Sigue siendo así nuestro mundo de hoy? ¿Reconocemos las persuasiones del Espíritu Santo en nuestra vida, que nos están apremiando a una relación más estrecha con Jesucristo? Si bien es posible que no tengas oro, incienso y mirra para ofrecer, el mejor regalo que puedes dar a Jesús en este año nuevo es tu corazón y tu alma. Haz la resolución este año de que Jesucristo sea el rey de tu vida.
Reflection by:
Most Reverend Gregory L. Parkes is the fifth Bishop of St. Petersburg. Prior to his appointment to the Diocese of St. Petersburg, Bishop Parkes served as the fifth Bishop of the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee from 2012-2016. He was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Orlando on June 26, 1999. Before answering the call to the priesthood, Bishop Parkes worked for several years in Tampa’s banking industry.
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