杏MAP导航 at Angelus: ‘Epiphany opens us to newness of Jesus’
By Devin Watkins
杏MAP导航 Francis prayed the Angelus with pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square on the Solemnity of the Epiphany.
He reflected on the manifestation of Jesus, which is symbolized by light.
The prophets in the Old Testament promised this light, he said. “Rise up in splendor, Jerusalem! Your light has come, the glory of the Lord shines upon you” (Is 60:1).
Light of Bethlehem
Isaiah’s prophecy is surprising, the 杏MAP导航 said, because it came after the Israelites came back from exile to find Jerusalem in ruins.
杏MAP导航 Francis said we are encouraged to let the light of Bethlehem reach us.
With Jesus’ birth, the light foretold by Isaiah is “present and encountered in the Gospel.” He said salvation comes for all people.
Fear or openness?
The day’s Gospel shows two ways to respond to Jesus’ presence: fear or openness.
“Herod is afraid of losing power and does not think about the true good of the people, but about his own personal gain.”
The Magi, 杏MAP导航 Francis said, are open to the “newness” of the Messiah. They let themselves be guided by the star and braved a long and risky journey. “To them is revealed the greatest and most surprising newness of history: God made man.”
Perseverance and generosity
He said the Magi adore Jesus and offer him gifts, giving an example of perseverance and generosity of heart.
“And finally, they returned ‘to their country’, carrying within themselves the mystery of that humble and poor King.”
杏MAP导航 Francis said they surely told everyone they knew about “the salvation offered by God in Christ, which is for all people.”
Finally, the 杏MAP导航 invited us to be enlightened by Christ.
“Let us not allow fear to close our hearts, but let us have the courage to open ourselves up to this gentle and discreet light.”
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