The Epiphany of the Lord!
The Epiphany of the Lord!
Merry Christmas! We celebrate 12 days of Christmas between December 25, Christmas, and January 6th Epiphany. Usually, it is transferred to Sunday; this year, it is on January 5, 2025. The word “Epiphany” comes from two Greek words: “epi,” which means “on upon,” and “phaino,” which means “to appear to shine.” Epiphany is a manifestation of Jesus' divinity or the divinity of Jesus shining upon the earth. We meditate on Epiphany, the visit of the Magi.
Jesus was born from the house of David. He revealed himself to his Israelites first, but he came for the entire humanity. On Christmas, we heard the reading that the angel announced the birth of Jesus to shepherds. On Epiphany, we heard the visit of the Magi, who were from distant nations.
The wise men are from the East, but from where in the East. There are three predictions about the place. Some predict they are from Persia; others say they are from Babylon. The third prediction is from Arabia. Today’s first reading from the book of Isaiah gives us more approval from the third prediction, Arabia. In the first reading, we read, “Caravans of camels shall fill you, dromedaries from Midian and Ephah; all from Sheba shall come bearing gold and frankincense and proclaiming the praises of the LORD.” Matthew is looking at the prophecy of Isaiah, which tells us about the non-Israelites bringing gifts to the Lord. In Psalm 72, today we read, "The kings of Tarshish and the Isles shall offer gifts; the kings of Arabia and Sheba shall bring tribute. All kings shall pay him homage; all nations shall serve him.”
Isaiah 60 is a prophecy of the new Jerusalem, and Psalm 72, which the Jews read as a prophecy of the future King of the Messiah. In the first reading, the light Isaiah proclaims to Zion symbolizes the blessing to come to her: the glory of the Lord, the return of her children, and the wealth of nations who themselves will walk by her light. If we want to understand the meaning of this passage, we need to look at its background. Jerusalem was destroyed by the Babylonians 57 years before Christ. Fifty years later, the Persians conquered the Babylonians and allowed the Jews to return home. They found their city and homeland ruined, and rebuilding was extremely difficult. The prophet was encouraging them and telling them that Jerusalem would become the center of spirituality and light of the world. The prophet foresees a day when divine light shall shine upon all God’s people, attracting the nations who will be grateful for this light.
In the Gospel of Matthew (2:1-12), magi came to King Herod in search of the newborn King, Jesus. Herod reigned from 37 to 4 B.C. Magi were the priestly caste, and they were astrologers. It was a common ancient belief that a new star appeared at the time of a ruler’s birth. Matthew also draws upon the Old Testament story of Balaam, who had prophesied that “A star shall advance from Jacob” (Numbers 24:17). The Magi were not members of the Chosen Jewish People, so the Epiphany shows Jesus came for all people. The Magi shows us that there is no substitute for an open heart and mind. For Herod, this message about the Newborn King brought fear. He closed his mind and heart towards Jesus but pretended to show he was eager to see him.
The identity of Christ is revealed to different people at different times: First, prophets told us in general about the coming of the Messiah. Then, in an intimate way told Mary and Joseph, then to shepherd and magi, and later to John the Baptist and then to disciples. The shepherds represent the poor and ignorant, and the magi represent pagan believers and intellectuals. The Good News is for everyone. God revealed himself to each one of us. The mission of the Church is to make Christ known to all nations (Matthew 28:19).
We are in the Jubilee year of Hope: “Hope does not disappoint” (Romans 5:5). On Christmas Eve, Pope Francis opened the Holy Doors of St. Peters’ Basilica and said at the Mass, "The Jubilee calls us to spiritual renewal and commits us to the transformation of our world, so that this year may truly become a time of jubilation." On May 9, 2024, Pope Francis announced the 2025 Jubilee year by reading the Jubilee’s papal bull of indication, which is titled “Spes Non Confudit,” which means “Hope Does Not Disappoint” (Romans 5:5). The Pope prayed that "During the Holy Year, "may the light of Christian hope illuminate every man and woman, as a message of God’s love addressed to all! And may the Church bear faithful witness to this message in every part of the world!" It is the message of Christmas and Epiphany. Jesus revealed himself to the shepherds and the Magi. They need to take the Good News to the rest of the world – pilgrims of Hope. Bishop Powers, at the Jubilee celebration homily, said that in the last couple of years, we have been talking about evangelization in our diocese. The Pope’s challenge to become pilgrims of Hope helps us to grow in our journey of sharing the Good News with others.