Behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage” (Mt 2:1c-2).
The feast of the Epiphany of our Lord (January 6) concludes the traditional 12 days of Christmas. During this season, we celebrate the ways God enlightens the darkness of our hearts, enables us to grow in faith, hope and charity. Epiphany is the season of illumination, highlighting God’s revelation to all of mankind.
The Season of Epiphany begins with the manifestation of Christ to the Magi in the manger in Bethlehem (Matthew 2). “The child “showed himself forth” to them, like a candle shows forth in the dark.” (Fr. John Foley, S. J.) The second major epiphany is at Jesus’ baptism (Mark 1: 4-11). Jesus continues to reveal himself to his new disciples culminating in his Transfiguration in their presence (Mark 9: 2-9).
During Epiphany, we celebrate the revelation of Jesus in our own time. “He is revealed as the Word of God speaking to us in the marvelous workings of nature, in the achievements of the human spirit, and in the dialogue between Church and the world.” “He is revealed to us as King in every victory over ignorance, alienation and powerlessness. He is revealed to us as
Suffering Messiah in the heart and face of every poor person, every stranger, every wanderer living in a back alley or under a bridge, every person victimized by others. His glory has shone among us. We have only to recognize him and to do what the magi did in his presence: They prostrated themselves and did him homage.” (Gerald Darring)
We are the Magi today: still searching for the “newborn king,” still following the light, still being surprised by what and how God is revealed to us along the way.
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