The Epiphany of the Lord

Ish 60:1-6, Eph. 3:2-3.5-6, Mt. 2:1-12. Being the Second Sunday of Christmas Year A, we celebrate the Solemnity of Epiphany of the Lord. The term Epiphany is of Greek origin, επιφάνεια, (epiphaneia), from the verb “to reveal,” or “to manifest”. In today’s Gospel the Magi presents the Infant King with costly and symbolic gifts of Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh. The adoration of the Magi fulfils the oracle of Isaiah in today's first reading, prophesying that the nations of the world would travel to the Holy City following a brilliant light and would bring gold and incense to contribute to the worship of God. Today’s Responsorial Psalm (Ps 72) includes a verse about kings coming from foreign lands to pay homage to a just king in Israel. Today’s second reading also expresses God’s secret plan in clear terms: “the Gentiles are co-partners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the Gospel.”

There were three groups of people who reacted to the Epiphany of Lord. The first group, headed by King Herod, tried to eliminate Him, the second group, priests and scribes, ignored Him and the third group, represented by the shepherds and the Magi, came to adore Him. Today's Solemnity challenges us to belong to the third group; the worshipping community. Let us worship Jesus at Mass with the Gold of our love, the Myrrh of our humility and the Frankincense of our adoration. Let us worship Him by giving a new direction to our lives. As the Magi chose another route to return to their homes, we need to choose a better way of life, avoiding proud and impure thoughts, evil habits and selfish behaviour. Let us adore the Lord by becoming stars leading others to Jesus as the star led the Magi to Jesus, removing the darkness of the evil around us and radiating Jesus’ love through selfless service, unconditional forgiveness and compassionate care.

By a guiding star God revealed His Only-Begotten Son, may the Lord lead us to the vision of His glory, where we see God face to face! Amen!! Good morning and Happy Sunday!!!