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Sunday, January 3, 1999

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Epiphany


Isaiah 60:1-6
Ephesians 3:2-3, 5-6
Psalm 72
Matthew 2:1-12

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only the fools are wise

"We observed His star at its rising and have come to pay Him homage." —Matthew 2:2

The wise men looked like fools. They traveled for months or even longer in following a star. How foolish to give "gold, frankincense, and myrrh" to a Baby! (Mt 2:11) How foolish and even strange to give myrrh to anyone except to someone about to die!

The wise men looked foolish. This is the only way to be wise in a foolish world. Only fools for Christ are wise (see 1 Cor 3:18; 4:10). Therefore, to be wise, we must not care about looking wise, being popular, being accepted, making money, and being successful. To be wise, we must be willing to suffer ridicule, rejection, persecution, and pain.

Christ crucified is the Wisdom of God (1 Cor 1:24). Consequently, no one wants to be wise except those who love Jesus our Wisdom (1 Cor 1:30) so much they give Him everything, prostrate themselves before Him in adoration, and suffer in the pattern of His death (Phil 3:10). Wisdom is available for the asking (Jas 1:5). But who will love Him enough to ask for it?

Prayer:  Father, I choose to take up my crosses each day (Lk 9:23) and become wise.

Promise:  "See, darkness covers the earth, and thick clouds cover the peoples; but upon you the Lord shines, and over you appears His glory. Nations shall walk by your light, and kings by your shining radiance." —Is 60:2-3

Praise:  "He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated in the Spirit; seen by the angels; preached among the Gentiles, believed in throughout the world, taken up into glory" (1 Tm 3:16).

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Robert J. Buschmiller, June 11, 1998


Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, July 20, 1998