The World of Grandpa Don

The first major feast of the new millennium is also one of the earliest feast days celebrated by Christians. There was an Epiphany long before a Christmas celebration. At this feast, we are reminded that God’s glory is made known to all. 

In a Jewish community, and to a Jewish couple, a Jewish baby had been born. The Baby Jesus came in fulfillment of the Scriptures of the Jewish people. And strangers, non-Jews, came to give Him homage. (Mathew 2:1-12) These people were the minority entering Jesus’ community. Although they were wealthy, they would not have been welcome in the temple. They were, however, welcomed by Mary and Joseph. Was it that they remembered the predictions “…the wealth of all nations will come to you …” (Isaiah 60:1-6) or was it that they were the kind of family that opened their hearts to strangers? 

The first Christians were a sect of the Jewish religion. Saint Paul tells us that he was inspired by a revelation “…that gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and copartners in the promise in Christ Jesus …” (Ephesians 3:2-3a,5-6) Paul had to convince the leaders of the church that members need not be Jews to be saved. 

We have the story of the Magi to remind us of God’s love of all people. We, in turn, are to take the love given to us, and multiply it by using it. Start with those close to us in the family and community. Accept others as Children of God and expand this acceptance to everyone we meet.

In the first centuries after Christ’s life, the Christian community spread due to their love and charity toward others. Do this and you are a disciple of Jesus. 

Don Plefka  
12/29/1999