Christmas Season-Epiphany
Gospel Reflection for Epiphany Sunday
Matthew 2:1-12
~Sr. Marla Clercx, Green Bay
Many stories have been told of the life of President Jimmy Carter since his death was announced last Sunday. Common themes arise about his goodness, honesty, humility, faith and concern for others around the world. A story that speaks to me, and I think to the feast of Epiphany, is told in his first book, Why Not the Best? Interviewing for entrance to the nuclear submarine program, the admiral asked, “How did you stand in your class at the Naval Academy?” Carter proudly answered he was 59th in a class of 820. He was then asked, “Did you do your best?” Wanting to say yes, he thought of the times he could have done more and answered, “No sir” to which came the response, “Why not?” It was a conversation that changed his life.
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In the Epiphany story, magi brought gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Much is written about the symbolism surrounding these gifts. (And a few jokes about their impracticality.) I believe another way to look at it is - they brought the best of what they had. No less would have sufficed. This was Emmanuel, God-with-us, after all.
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Epiphany offers an invitation to reflect on our own lives. Do we do our best with the gifts God has given us? Do we give back to God the best of who we are? Do we give the best we have and are to others? And if not, why not?
