WORD ALIVE

Tomorrow we celebrate the feast of the Magi or Epiphany.  It is called Epiphany from the Greek term “epiphanein” which means to “manifest” because Jesus revealed himself not only to the Jews, the chosen people, but also to pagan visitors.
 

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The gospel writer teaches that Christ’s salvation  is universal or for all peoples. 
 

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What’s the relevance of the feast of the Magi for us? According to Matthew, the wise men searched for the new-born Child. How the friends of the wise men must have mocked and laughed at them. “Following a star? We're too busy with making a living.” Nonetheless, the magi pursued their goal until they reached it.
 

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Applying that in modern times, it takes a strong conviction to be faithful to one’s religious principles and moral conviction. 
For example, in married life, couples make a commitment to be faithful when they profess their married vows. Before the altar, they pronounce to each other, “I take you as my spouse. I will be faithful for better or for worse, in richer and poorer till death do us part.”
On the religious side, priests and nuns make a solemn perpetual vow, a commitment of poverty, chastity, and obedience. 
 

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In one’s job, it is hard to be honest when there are corrupt workers around you, especially when you are in dire need of funds.

This is when you have to stick to your faith conviction and perseverance, much like what the Magi did.

Likewise, in a society characterized by perennial new beginnings, enthusiastic outbursts, and ningas cogon, we need perseverance and consistency.
 

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On the feast of the Magi, let us strengthen our faith in our commitment as Christians despite the difficulties and hardships we encounter in life.
Happy New Year and Happy Three Kings!
 

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The lighter side. Dear God, all I ask for the New Year is a fat wallet and a thin body. And please don't mix them up... like you did last year!”
 

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Three friends – a Jesuit, a Franciscan and an SVD – paid homage to the Christ Child in Bethlehem. The Jesuit was interested to have Jesus enrolled at the Ateneo. Mother Mary whispered to Joseph, “Can we afford the tuition?” The Franciscan was more interested in the crib to serve as reminder of Franciscan poverty.
When the two looked around, the SVD was nowhere. They found out later he ran after the Three Kings…soliciting donations for the mission.
 

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After the Christmas holidays, a man tells his friend: “First my assets were frozen, then liquidated, and now they have evaporated.”
 

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Start the new year right. Help poor seminarians under our Adopt-A- Seminarian scholarship program. Chip in an amount or sponsor one school year. For inquiry, e-mail me: [email protected]