January 3. Sunday, Epiphany. In his homilyFr Brian related the incident of the Wise Men, King Herod and the Holy Family, Joseph, Mary and Jesus, to the ongoing troubled history of Israel. There always seem to have been political conflicts and power struggles. He commented, “I wonder how Israel sees the biblical passages now about their return from exile in Babylon and how the glory of the Lord would be with them.   Do they still today consider themselves as the chosen people and Israel as their homeland forever? Modern history makes that very complicated. I agree that all religions need to dialogue about issues that concern us all. That is something we could learn to do from this feast of the Epiphany, like Pope Francis has tried to do, in making peace between Israel and Palestine and other religions of the world.”  

The Lord will arise upon you and his glory will be seen upon you. Nations shall walk by your light and kings in the brightness of your rising. They come to you; your sons come from far and your daughters shall be carried in the arms. Isaiah 60:1-6. 

Pope Francis: Dialogue and friendship with the children of Israel are part of the life of Jesus’ disciples. God continues to work among the people of the Old Covenant. The Church is also enriched when she receives the values of Judaism. EG 248-9. Reflect and share.