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. This feast is associated with the visit of the Magi as narrated by the Evangelist Matthew. Through a star, God revealed the birth of his Son to the magi in the east. In this visit, we see the fulfillment of the prophecy of Isaiah in the first reading. According to the prophet, the Messiah will reveal his glory to all the nations. As such, all the pagan nations will walk to come with presents to see the glory of Jerusalem, the city of God.

Indeed, in Jesus Christ, God became man for the salvation of all. Therefore, he manifests himself to all. 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 daily events of our life, in prayer and especially in the celebration of the Eucharist. God adapts himself to the concrete conditions of each one of us. There is no stranger in God’s plan of salvation. He reveals himself to all without discrimination.

It is also noteworthy that 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 therefore 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 the Infant Jesus grant us the grace and courage to manifest his love and mercy wherever we find ourselves. Amen .