In his monthly challenge, Archbishop Lori reminds us that the solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord (which we celebrated last Sunday) recalls the visit of the Magi to the Child Jesus. The Magi recognized the newborn king and paid him homage. As you know, this great feast occurs during the liturgical season of Christmas, which begins on Christmas Eve and continues through the feast of the Baptism of the Lord.
During the Christmas season, Archbishop Lori hopes we remember and celebrate the reality that God assumed our human nature and became a little child. He hopes this season also reminds us to recognize the dignity of all children; including unborn children.
Our Gospel reading today also falls under this theme of epiphany. Jesus returns to Nazareth to reveal that He is the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy. He is the anointed one to bring glad tidings to the poor. He is the one to proclaim liberty to the captives, sight to the blind, and freedom to the oppressed. The Nazoreans experienced this epiphany as they “were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth.”
Comparing the two Gospel readings, we can contrast the potential the Magi recognized in the child to the fulfillment announced by the man. The continuity of the plan of God made manifest first in the child and then later in the man.
Sometimes the true epiphany is not in what we can see or hear, but rather in what we recognize in how God’s plan is being made manifest in even something like an unplanned pregnancy.
The questions asked by Archbishop Lori as part of his challenge might help us reflect. Do you look upon the lives of children (and all people) with respect, recognizing the dignity of human life? What more can you personally do to protect and support life wherever it is threatened or in need? Are there ways you can witness to others (in word or deed) to foster awareness of the sanctity of life?
Archbishop Lori’s challenge is to work toward greater recognition of the sanctity of unborn human life (and really all human life) by participating in a peaceful pro-life demonstration or supporting a pregnancy resource center.
Last month, I briefly mentioned the reimagined Pro-Life ministry that we will initiate later this year. Through this initiative, we enter into the true Pro-Life battlefield: changing hearts through an epiphany of love and giving life a real opportunity to manifest according to God’s plan. By providing a Life Mentor to an expectant parent of an unplanned pregnancy and giving them an environment of hope and support they can lean on, we can help create the recognition called for by Archbishop Lori; as well as, the epiphany of new life and its ultimate fulfillment in God’s plan.
Perhaps involvement in this critical mission of the parish, the new Pro-Life Ministry, is how you will choose to answer the challenge of Archbishop Lori.
Through our efforts like the reimagined Pro-Life ministry, we will bring about the ultimate epiphany where we cry out, “Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.”
Thanks be to God!
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