Sunday, January 4 @ 10:00 AM
St. Augustine Cathedral

So, my dear sisters and brothers in the Lord,

As we do each year, today on the Solemnity of Epiphany we gather to reflect upon—perhaps marvel is the better word—the extraordinary and remarkable journey of three fairly mysterious men, whom tradition tells us were named Kaspar, Balthazar, and Melchior. They were rulers of the East who, perhaps over a thousand miles by foot and caravan, persevered in a journey that they knew in their hearts would grant them what they desired, what they were looking for: the ground of their joy.

It is remarkable to consider that this journey led them to a child in a manger among animals—kneeling in straw and dirt—men who had authority and power over their peoples, men who were no strangers to wealth and luxury. It is also a mistake to consider, my friends, that the journey was only a physical one that began when they recognized the star we depict here and made their way to Bethlehem, because the journey truly began years before.

Tradition tells us they were astrologers, that they followed the stars, and perhaps they did so for many years, persevering with hope that they would one day find Him for whom they were searching—the One they could claim as their King.

You see, my friends, Epiphany gives us many great mysteries to reflect upon. Today, I have chosen to reflect on the great mystery of perseverance. I do so because today we come to the close of the Jubilee Year. You and I have been celebrating the Year of Hope.

The simple fact is that every single one of us in this church, from the moment we were born into this world, was given a journey by God. No matter what state or vocation of life you and I have, or have been chosen for us, nonetheless your journey is unique to you, just as mine is unique to me. The Lord asks us to remain faithful to Him—to keep walking, keep moving, keep journeying with Him at the lead.

Oftentimes in life, the journey seems pleasant enough, and we go along our merry way. But how many times have you and I encountered twists and turns that take us to places we could never have imagined? Sometimes the journey of our life becomes a hill, then eventually a mountain, and every single step requires enormous effort just to take it.

At other times, you and I walk straight into darkness. At every moment in that journey, we have the option to stop moving forward, to stop trusting in the Lord’s mercy, even though He journeys with us every step of every day. Every step presents the temptation to forsake hope—hope that God keeps His promises, hope that God loves you wildly, my friends, just as He loves me.

No matter how high, how steep, how long, how rugged, or how dark the journey of your life may be, God will always be there for you. That is hope. And that, my friends, is the fuel of the life of every disciple of Jesus Christ.

Even though we are ending the Jubilee, we are not ending the journey of our lives. Therefore, we are not ending our quest to ask for the gift of hope to continue to burn in our hearts and minds. We do not know how much longer we will journey in this life—please God, it will be many, many years—but if we are to gain grace and benefit from the Jubilee that ends for our diocese this morning, let us remember that you and I, like the Magi, are meant to be ambassadors of hope for others.

The Magi brought the Gentile nations to the Christ Child, representing all those outside the covenant. In their adoration, they reminded all of creation that every child of God is called to salvation, mercy, and hope in Jesus Christ.

So, my friends, as we say these final prayers after Holy Communion, can we be courageous enough to take this pledge: not only that we will keep walking wherever God leads us, but that we will not allow anyone to walk alone. We will walk with them—whoever they may be: spouse, child, grandchild, uncle, nephew, neighbor, friend, and even those who have hurt us.

For we are all journeying together through the ups and downs of life, through triumphs and failures, through moments of sinfulness and moments of great joy and grace. We are walking together with the Lord at our lead toward glory, toward heaven. We will get there together, in hope, persevering one step at a time.

If you and I make that pledge today, the Lord promises us that when we meet Him, we will not meet Him in a stable, in grass and straw among animals. If we persevere in hope, we will meet Him in glory, and He will ask us to take our seat with Him forever.

The light has come into the world, my friends.
Can we persevere in hope to follow it to glory?