What women want What an Epiphany!

Dec 29, 2005

With the hustle and bustle of the Christmas Season in full swing, it’s easy to get caught up in the shopping, gift wrapping, gift returns, endless baking, and holiday feasting… not to mention, the resolution list-making which promises a healthy diet and regimented fitness routine. 

 

While participating in these “aerobic” Christmas activities, the story of Martha and Mary found in Luke’s Gospel comes to my mind.  As you might recall, Jesus enters a village during one of his journeys and a woman named Martha welcomes Him into her home.  Martha’s sister, Mary, is also there, but as Jesus enters the home, Mary sits at his feet leaving Martha burdened with the preparations for the guests.  Frustrated and overwhelmed by the work, Martha approaches the Lord and asks that He reprimand Mary for her lack of service.  But, the Lord replies with, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things.  There is need of only one thing.  Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her” (Lk 10:42).

 

I especially relate to this passage during Christmas time and can imagine Jesus softly stating, “Mercy, Mercy, you are anxious and worried about many things.  There is need of only one thing…” 

 

How easily we get distracted by the so-called “demands” of the season.  Then, with a blink of an eye, it abruptly comes to an end as retail stores rip down lights, pack up the ornaments, and replace Christmas Cards with pink Valentines. 

 

As Catholics, we must stop for a moment and remember that the “Christmas Season” begins December 25^th and lasts until the feast of the Epiphany on January 6^th.  It’s not too late for us “Marthas” to take some time and reflect on the true meaning of this liturgical season.

 

Christmas, of course, is God’s heroic and generous plan for human salvation disguised in the humble birth of His Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ.  As we ponder this awesome gift of the Incarnation, we pray for the grace to make Christ incarnate in our own lives.  This Christmas contemplation leads us toward the Feast of the Epiphany. 

 

Epiphany means “to show” or “to make known” or even “to reveal.”  As we meditate on the Word made flesh and share in the Eucharistic meal, we are able to “reveal” Christ in our every action and make Him known to others.  This illumination of Christ is celebrated on the Feast of the Epiphany.  Although we celebrate Christ’s birth one day a year, we cannot forget to show forth Christ’s love and Lordship throughout the entire year.