It is said that at one time the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem—which dates from the 6th century—had a façade complete with a painting of the Magi dressed in Persian robes. In the 7th century when Persian armies attacked Bethlehem, the armies would stop and see the Magi (sages) dressed like Persians and spare the Church any damage or pillaging.

Today’s first reading from Isaiah speaks to us of all the nations of the world coming with their gifts to honor God. He speaks of all peoples being co-heirs fo God. Matthew’s Gospel on this Sunday is a gospel that was written to a mixed community—people of different ethnicities and religions—particularly Gentiles and Jew, and as people looked around and saw different looking folks from themselves, Matthew wanted “them” to know they were included.

The Church asks us this weekend to consider our local situation in this respect. How do we see
people who are different looking from ourselves and how do we welcome them? Do you believe Him to be the King of the Universe and do we see God’s promises for all being fulfilled—as God desires— in every age? What is our role in this wonderful plan of God?

As we celebrate the Epiphany of the Lord, we are called to remember the Church and her teachings on God and salvation: He is the God of all creation and offers salvation to all who believe in Him and live their lives according to His teachings—all within their human condition and the sacramental power and graces of His Church. What we are called to do is to be open to all peoples and welcome them in to the faith. How do we accomplish this?

With an openness and warmth of heart we welcome people to our churches and parishes—Just as the Church does in-and-through her corporal works of mercy that are meant to benefit all peoples, not just Catholic believers and practitioners. But the question is “What are we welcoming people into?” The answer is the faith which comes to us from God alone, through His Only Begotten Son, welcoming them into His teachings, rituals, traditions and Traditions—which cannot and must not change to meet any one individual’s needs or personal desires. What we are called to welcome people, God’s children, into is the faith of Christ and then to teach them His Truths which will save them by offering them Eternal Salvation.

So as we welcome, teach and invite all to God’s house of worship—To His Word, His Son’s True
Presence (Eucharist) and to His Love, we must ask ourselves as we evaluate and propose our programs and ministers: What “good” are we really offering them? And the only answer we can produce is the “good” of salvation’s knowledge. Then in our teaching of His Truth and through their use of their Free Will, God’s plan shall be fulfilled in every time and place, in every generation—if we adhere to Him and not bend to the winds of cultural demands or convenience.