A Homily on Matthew 2:1-12 : The Epiphany,4-1-26

A simple Homily on the feast of the Epiphany of the Lord, based on the Gospel of Mathew 2:1-12.

Praise be to Jesus Christ

Once, in a small village, there lived a farmer who was addicted to alcohol and decided to change his life. He realized that his drinking and quarrelsome ways were causing pain to his family. One day, he vowed to stop drinking. For a while, he succeeded, but he kept visiting the same old places and friends, who eventually encouraged his bad habits. Slowly, he fell back into his old ways, and his promise to himself and to his family faded. One evening, as he sat alone regretting his failure, his parish priest visited him and advised, “If you truly want to change, you must not walk on the same path that led you astray. Take a new road, even if it is harder, because only then you and your family will find lasting peace.”

In today’s Gospel, we see the Magi after their long journey to find Jesus. When they finally reached Him, they knelt in worship and offered their gifts. But their encounter with Jesus did not end with worship; it required action. They were warned in a dream not to go back the same way, for it would put them and Jesus in danger. So they chose a new road.

This decision of the Magi teaches us a profound truth: a true encounter with God always demands a change of path. When we encounter Jesus, He calls us to leave behind our old ways of comfort and take a new road that leads to life. The old road may feel easy and familiar, but it can be dangerous. All those who experienced God brought about change in their lives.

Saint Paul’s life is a powerful example of this. On the road to Damascus, he encountered Jesus. That encounter changed everything. Paul could no longer walk on the path of persecution and hatred. He took a new road, one that was difficult and filled with trials, but it led him to become one of the greatest apostles, bringing the light of Christ to the world.

Throughout history, saints like Augustine, Ignatius, Francis, and many other saints showed us this same truth. When they encountered Christ, they didn’t just change their thoughts; they changed their entire way of life. They left behind their old ways. Though the new road was hard, it led them to profound joy and purpose.

Jesus Himself tells us that the gate is narrow, and the way is hard that leads to life (Mt. 7:13-14). Changing our path demands courage. Like the farmer in our story, we often make good resolutions but fail because we keep walking on the same old roads. If we wish to grow closer to Jesus and keep the resolutions we make, we must choose new paths.

This might mean avoiding harmful friendships, changing our daily habits, or making choices that seem difficult at first; like spending mornings at Mass and prayer instead of sleeping in, or using our breaks in a constructive way rather than engaging in gossip, or helping others instead of wasting money and time. These small changes in direction can lead to profound transformation.

So we must ask ourselves: Are we ready to leave behind the familiar ways that pull us back into sin and take the new path Jesus offers? It will not be easy, but it is the only road that leads to lasting peace and true joy.

The Feast of the Epiphany reminds us that meeting Jesus changes everything. The Magi’s journey shows us that faith is not just about worship but also about obedience and trust. Like them, we must listen to God’s voice and choose the road less travelled; the road that leads to Him. We, as Christians, are called to travel through the unbeaten path.

On this feast day of Epiphany, let u pray for the courage to walk on this new road. The journey may be long and hard, but Jesus is with us, guiding us every step of the way. With Him, the new path always leads to life, joy, and peace.

Jesus Help me to walk through a different path.Amen.