We come together as the Church today to celebrate the Solemnity of the Epiphany. In our entrance antiphon, the Church declares that “The Lord and ruler is coming; kingship is his, and government and power.” Indeed, this is nothing less than all the preparations of Advent fulfilled to perfection. Epiphany is the crown, the liturgical peak, of the season of Advent and Christmas.
Epiphany, which is celebrated either on January 6 or the Sunday between January 2 and January 8, is taken from the Greek epipháneia, which means manifestation. Today, we celebrate the manifestation of our Lord to the whole world – the revelation of the young Messiah as the light of the nations.
“I AM the Light of the world.
Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
(John 8:12)
We are reminded in today’s antiphon for the Magnificat at Vespers, “Three wonders mark this day we celebrate: today the star led the Magi to the manger; today water was changed into wine at the marriage feast; today Christ desired to be baptized by John in the river Jordan to bring us salvation, Alleluia,” that this Solemnity encompasses three mysteries which speak of how Christ is to be revealed to the world: to the Magi, those who would seek Him, through His miraculous and healing work, and by Baptism.
Jesus, the Christ Child, is first encountered by the shepherds of Bethlehem (Luke 2:8-20). In Jesus’s time, shepherds were outcasts who were equivalent to tax collectors. This is in contrast to the time of Abraham, when shepherding was a respected occupation in the Jews’ nomadic lifestyle. However, when the Jews migrated to Egypt and settled in Palestine, they shifted from a nomadic society to an agrarian one. As shepherding became less important, over time, it too became less accepted. Christ manifested himself not to the scribes and religious leaders, but to the humble shepherds first, because He came “not to call the upright, but sinners” (Mark 2:17).
Christ is next revealed to the Magi who have come from the East to adore Him. The Magi have long been regarded by the Church as the first fruits of the Gentiles. Coming from both far and wide, the Magi symbolise all the peoples of the earth summoned by the coming of Christ. We as Gentiles are affirmed, at this feast of universal salvation, that Christ has truly come to save each one of us.
God has sent His only begotten Son to redeem the whole of mankind.
At Epiphany, God becomes visible to the Gentile world. Today, Jesus manifests a new kingdom, to which the starlight of faith guides all wise men. Will you allow the spirit of the Lord Jesus Christ to dwell in your heart and be the visible sign of God’s love for us in you?
Be renewed with the Spirit of the Lord this Christmas season with pure hearts and with Jesus dwelling in our hearts, so that we may truly know the meaning of Christmas – His coming to redeem us. Only then, will we be able to celebrate His birth, His presence fully, with loving hearts, with our loved ones, relatives, friends, fellow brothers and sisters in Christ and our neighbours.
The manifestation was made to the gentiles. We are called to be heralds of Jesus Christ. What have you done on your part to announce Jesus Christ to the non-believers?
The shepherds, sometimes considered the lowest in society and the magi considered the elite of society are both included in the manifestation. Do you have biasness when proclaiming Jesus to others?
What do you need to do in order to bring the Spirit of the Lord to others?
At Epiphany, Jesus manifests/appears to all, do you see the Lord Jesus Christ? Do you see Jesus in the poor, the hungry, the lonely?
- Will you welcome Jesus into your hearts?
- Will you accept His Peace and Love? Do you share His Peace & Love with others?
With Love, Peace and Joy of the Lord,
Patrick & Philip
Questions for Reflection
Will you allow the spirit of the Lord Jesus Christ to dwell in your heart and be the visible sign of God’s love for us in you?
At Epiphany, Jesus manifests/appears to all, do you see the Lord Jesus Christ?
Do you see Jesus in the poor, the hungry, the lonely?
Will you welcome Jesus into your hearts?
Will you accept His Peace and Love? Do you share His Peace & Love with others?