Have you had an epiphany before? That sudden moment of insight or realization – when something clicks and everything makes sense somehow. I would like to think that the Magi—commonly known as the Wise Men or Kings—had an exciting OMG moment too when they saw a new star in the sky, an extraordinary event that connected the dots. They might have said: Oh my goodness, we gotta get going, that star is moving! And so began their quest, a journey for truth, guided by faith.

The word “epiphany” comes from the Greek word epiphaneia, which means “manifestation” or “appearance.” The Feast of the Epiphany highlights how God makes himself known to the world through the coming of Jesus Christ. In the Gospel of Matthew 2:1-12, the Magi, led by a mysterious star, travel in search of the newborn King of the Jews. They bring gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, each symbolic of Jesus’s identity and mission: gold for His kingship, frankincense for His divinity, and myrrh foreshadowing His suffering and death.

Throughout the Bible, we can find other epiphany moments too.

  • Moses and the Burning Bush (Exodus 3): Moses encounters God in the form of a burning bush and is called to lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. This moment transforms Moses’s life and mission.
  • Saul on the Road to Damascus (Acts 9): Saul, a fierce persecutor of Christians, is blinded by a vision of Jesus. This epiphany leads to his conversion and his new identity as Paul, one of the greatest apostles.
  • Samuel Hears God’s Voice (1 Samuel 3): Young Samuel is called by God in the middle of the night. Though initially confused, he learns to recognize God’s voice and becomes a prophet.

Yet epiphanies do not have to be larger than life.

 

How Epiphanies Can Deepen Your Faith

Epiphanies, large or small, might happen during a quiet moment of prayer, or even in everyday conversations. It may be moments when you realize God’s hand is in your life and it deepens your relationship with Him. Here are some ways to open yourself to epiphanies:

  1. Stay Curious: Ask questions about your faith. Why do we believe what we believe? When helping to bring some students on a tour of our church, I was glad to read up on how a church is designed. Some eye-opening areas, I must say. The area where the congregation is seated is known as the “nave”, a Latin word for “ship” which some say symbolize that the church carries us safely through the storms of life, much like Noah’s ark.
  2. Pray and Reflect: Spend time in prayer and reflection. God often speaks to us in the stillness. I recently decided to walk my dog in silence instead of plugging into music, or even to Catholic podcasts. It still takes great discipline for my mind to be still in reflection instead of planning the 1001 things I need to get done that day.
  3. Be Open to Wonder: Like the Magi, be willing to journey into the unknown. God reveals Himself in unexpected ways. Last year, my ministry members spent an early morning together at Willing Hearts packing food for the needy. Way too early for many of us (yawn!) but it was something new and I witnessed the patience and generosity of people, volunteering to serve others.
  4. Connect with Others: Share your faith journey with friends, family, etc. I am indeed hoping to hear more stories from parishioners about their faith journey in 2025 and I am blessed to be in a position to share your epiphany moments and encounters with God and the Holy Spirit. No story is too small. Call me.

 

The Epiphany is a Call to Action

The Magi didn’t just have an epiphany; they acted on it. When we encounter God, we’re called to respond. So take some time to reflect on how God is revealing Himself to you. Embrace it and let it transform your life.

Follow that star.

 

 

Shared by Karen R-Fong, a wannabe tai-tai who desires to retire in a library of books and to read with our Lord to her last days.

 

Article was with the help of Generative AI.