SOLEMNITY OF EPIPHANY

Isaiah 60:1-6
Psalm 71
Ephesians 3:2-3.5-6
Matthew 2:1-12

THE MANIFESTATION OF GOD

We celebrate today the Epiphany of our Lord Jesus Christ. The word “epiphany” means manifestation, revelation or showing forth. Through a star, God revealed the birth of his Son to the magi in the east. God became man for the salvation of all. Therefore, he manifests himself to all.

There is no stranger in God’s plan of salvation. He leaves no one out. To the shepherds, he revealed himself in a manger. To the pagans of St Paul’s time, he revealed his love through the proclamation of the Gospel (Eph. 3:2-3.5-6). To us too, He manifests himself in various ways, especially in the events of our life and in the celebration of the Eucharist. God adapts himself to the concrete  conditions of each one of us.

When the wise men saw the star, they left their country and followed it until they found the infant Jesus. When King Herod received the news through the magi, he was perturbed and wanted to kill the new born king so as to secure his reign (Matt. 2:1-12). No matter what our intentions are, God will reveal himself to us anyway.

What makes the difference is our response to him. Our response must be to accept Jesus as our Star, the Light that enlightens our life. When we accept him, we become little candles that radiate the light of Christ to the world. We must therefore rise and shine, as the first reading commands us (Is. 60,1-6). Rising and shining are characteristic of the sun, which gives light, life and warmth to all. We are therefore called to shine in the world, covered by the darkness of sin, wickedness, selfishness, injustice, corruption, violence, hatred, unforgiveness, etc.
May we be "epiphany" wherever we find ourselves.

Amen.