Is God in your 2025 agenda? | Homily 05 Jan 2025 with Fr. Jerry Orbos | Solemnity of the Epiphany

Is God in your 2025 agenda?
HOMILY | Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord

To start the New Year on a light note, let me share with you something I read somewhere:
Question: Why is Jesus rich?
Answer: Because Jesus saves.
Question: Why is Jesus sad?
Answer: Because Jesus Christ (cries)!
Question: Why is Jesus happy?
Answer: Because “Messiah” siya (masaya)!
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In today’s Gospel (Matthew 2:1-12), we hear about Herod searching for the Messiah. We also hear about the Magi from the east searching for the newborn King Jesus. How about you and me? Are we searching for Him? Is God on our agenda for 2025? Do we include Him as a priority in our plans, appointments, events, and activities in the year ahead of us?
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It is interesting to note that Herod’s agenda in looking for the Messiah was to search and destroy Him. The Magi on the other hand were looking for the Messiah to search and adore Him. What is your agenda? Why are you looking for the “Messiah,” if ever, at all?
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At the door of our Mission House, we have an image of Mama Mary carrying Jesus on a donkey being pulled by Joseph, with an inscription that says: “Follow your star, and bring Jesus wherever you go.” This is a very fitting reminder for all our SVD missionaries going to foreign missions. A very good reminder for all of us as well, to bring Jesus wherever we go, whatever we do in this new year.
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Epiphany goes on. Like the Magi, we continue to diligently search for the Lord, know Him, love Him, and serve Him. Having found Him, may we continue to share His message and love to all people, especially to the poor (“mga walang wala”), to the lost, (“mga nawawala”), and to the disturbed and the troubled (“mga nagwawala”). Let us be pilgrims of hope, far and wide.
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We are still searching for the “Messiah” in our country. Many have come and gone, presenting themselves to lead our people, with their ideas and plans, but things have not become better in our land. Only they, their families, and