Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord
Today we are celebrating the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord. Epiphany (or Theophany, as it is known in the Eastern Rite Catholic Church), also known as Three Kings' Day, is a Catholic Solemnity that celebrates the revelation of God in His Son as human in Jesus Christ. The word epiphany comes from the Greek word “epiphaneia” meaning “manifestation,” which is, an illuminating discovery, realization, or disclosure. This Solemnity also commemorates the visit of the Magi to the Christ child, and thus, Jesus' physical manifestation to the Gentiles. So what does the Solemnity of Epiphany mean for us? The Solemnity of Epiphany allows us to truly comprehend what it means that God has brought His only Son into our world. The Wise Men – Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar – were the first people outside of the stable to come and pay homage to Jesus. These unlikely royal visitors showered Jesus with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, herbs typically used for burial, possibly foreshadowing Jesus’ destiny. The Magi were taking a huge risk in following the star to Bethlehem, but they trusted that God was leading them to something far greater than they could know. This is such a powerful example of how we as Christians should live our lives. Thus, the Epiphany emphasizes the importance of TRUSTING in God, as we heard in the gospel reading from the Gospel of Saint Matthew chapter 2, verses 1-12 when the Magi followed the star to Bethlehem, trusting that God was leading them to something far greater than they know, our Lord Jesus. When we trust in God, He leads us closer to Himself because He knows what is best for us. Even when we face trials, persecution, challenges, difficulties and hardships, our trust in God strengthens us to see Him in our lives in unexpected ways, and when we do, to worship and adore Him. The Epiphany not only emphasizes our call to trust in God, it is an invitation to anyone and everyone around to follow Christ. Like the Magi who followed the star, we are reminded by this Solemnity to keep on following Christ, and to never relent. My dear friends in Christ, do you truly trust in God? Do you really follow Him, His teachings and His ways? Today, God has revealed the mystery of our salvation in Christ as a light for the nations, and when Christ appeared in our mortal nature, He made us new by the glory of His immortal nature. So let us manifest God in our lives today by truly trusting in Him, and by sincerely following Him.
