The Epiphany of the Lord

Ish 60:1-6, Eph. 3:2-3.5-6, Mt. 2:1-12. At the celebration of the Epiphany of the Lord, we recall the manifestation of God to the world. Epiphany shows the many ways through which God revealed Himself to us in Christ. These include the three events that bring to light His Mission and Divinity: the visitation of the Magi, the baptism of Jesus (Mk 1:9-11) and the miracle at Cana (Jn 2:1-11). Today the Lord further extends and expands the horizon of His love and goodness to illumine the darkness of the world.

Today's Gospel presents the visit of the Magi who came to adore and offer the symbolic gifts of Gold, Myrrh and Frankincense to the newborn King. They came to offer Christ a genuine worship as the King of kings. Therefore, our worship must be sincere and from our hearts like that of the Magi. It must not be like the proposed worship of Herod which was false. We must be ready to offer Jesus something. We must not appear before the Lord empty handed. The first gift we must offer God for His goodness to us is the gift of 'self', the gift of good live, love, obedience, humility, peace to our families and world and the gift of sacrifice for one another. The lesson in all of these is that we must also make our lives better and use the goodness that flows from us to help others. We must brighten our light so that others can see with it as Christ illumines our way and life this New Year with His own light, life, divine presence and counsel.

May the Lord guide us with His divine light, help us to recognize Christ in the daily events of our life and welcome Him with love! Amen!! Good morning and Happy Sunday!!!