SOLEMNITY OF THE EPIPHANY

Isaiah 60,1-6
Psalm 71
Ephesians 3: 2-3. 5-6
Matthew 2:1-12

God Has Manifested Himself To Us

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. He adapts himself to our human condition. To the world, he reveals himself by the cry of a baby. To the shepherds, he revealed himself in a manger. To the magi, through a star. 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 daily events of our life and in the celebration of the Eucharist.

What makes the difference is our response to him. Our response must be to accept Jesus as our Star, the Light that enlightens all men. When we accept him, we must also radiate the light of Christ to the world. We must rise and shine, as the first reading exhorts us (Is. 60,1-6). Rising and shining are characteristics 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 the Lord help us to become little stars that lead people to Christ.
Amen.