The gift

The story is told about a family that went shopping in an electronics store during Christmas. When asked what they got, “iPod,” said the daughter! “iPhone,” said another daughter. “iPad,” said the wife. “Nothing, I paid!” said the husband.

* * *

In today’s Gospel (Mt. 2, 1-12) we hear of the Magi from the East bearing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to do homage to the newborn King of the Jews. Their presence at Jesus’ birth was a statement that Jesus was not only God’s gift to Israel but to the whole world. In other words, Jesus was not meant to be an exclusive gift, but a gift to be shared.

* * *

Last Christmas many of us gave and received gifts. Indeed, what would Christmas be without our traditional exchange of gifts! However, in the process of giving and receiving gifts to and from each other, I hope we did not forget the greatest gift of all—Jesus Himself—and the Giver of the gift, our loving Father. Let us make sure too that we did not throw away along with the wrappers the main reason for Christmas.

* * *

Today, is the Feast of the Epiphany, the revelation of Jesus to the nations. Epiphany reminds us to share, and to become missionaries of and for the Light. Let us become like burning candles that give light. Let us ask ourselves today: What am I doing for the Lord the rest of my life?

* * *

Speaking of light, we had lots of them last New Year’s Eve. Lots of noise and smoke too! Sharing the Light of Christ need not be like that. When we share Jesus to others, we do not need fireworks. And we do not need lots of noise and smoke too. In its very essence, sharing Christ’s light is still that of reflecting the gentle presence of a loving God because we ourselves have spent moments with Him in the candle glow. Spreading Christ’s light is not so much about “effects” or “techniques.” It is all about being real and sharing joyfully what we really treasure and believe.

* * *

And speaking of fireworks, I really wish we had better ways to welcome the New Year. Fireworks are not only expensive. They are dangerous and unhealthy as well. Please remember, we don’t remove bad luck by fireworks but by hard work!

* * *

We are all to “search diligently for the child.” May we continue to be open to God’s revelation at any moment of our lives. It’s not as if we have God, and we have our ways of dealing with Him or even, manipulating Him, and that’s it? No, that’s not it! When we become too comfortable with our faith and too predictable with our expressions of our faith, it is a sign that we are no longer diligent or have altogether stopped searching for the Child.

* * *

Last week, I had a talk with a 39-year-old executive regarding his crisis of faith. He felt that he could not connect anymore with the God of his childhood and youth, and with the Church. He is now questioning a lot of things about his faith. As I listened to him, I couldn’t help but ask: How many people of his time and kind are going through the same situation? Thank God for his sincerity and openness. All I could tell him was just to be honest to himself and to God Himself. And to pray the best prayer—“Help!” The Epiphany goes on. May we enhance it, not prevent it with our close-mindedness, nor hurry it up with our impatience.

* * *

The wrappings may change, but the gift remains. May we continue to discover and rediscover the Lord in our hearts and in our midst! May we also continue to bring out the gift that you and I are to others. And may we continue to exchange gifts as we journey on.

* * *

For those who, like me, wish we could have given more because of limited resources and time, please be reminded that Christmas is not just a day or a season, but a spirit we carry with us year-round. Yes, the gift-giving and -receiving goes on! And please remember too, as  someone put it, the best gifts are not those found under the tree, but those that you bring with you every day as you go your way.

* * *

It is an old line, but still let us not forget that more than our presents, it is our presence that matters. Remember, it was not the gifts of the Magi, but their homage that really mattered. By the same measure, it is not so much the work we do for the Lord and for people, but our love for the Lord and for people that really matters. Yes, let us continue our gift-giving, our heart-giving.

* * *

I want to take this opportunity to thank the Lord for the gift of family and friends. Someone put is so beautifully: “Family isn’t always blood. It’s the people in your life who want you in theirs, who accept you for what you are, who would do anything to make you smile, and who love you no matter what.”

* * *

A moment with the Lord:

Lord, you are our greatest gift. Help us to share you with a world that needs hope, peace, wholeness and holiness. Amen.