As I explained today's liturgical celebration to my fifth and sixth graders in faith formation class this morning, I realized that I don't think I ever really learned much about The Epiphany of Our Lord, apart from the three Magi.
Of course, Epiphany celebrates the three Magi visiting the Holy Family and bringing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
But there's more to it than that.
The word Epiphany has Greek roots that mean "manifestation" or "to display."
This visit of the Magi, who followed a star to find Christ, represents the coming of Christ as Savior and King of the whole world, not only the Jewish people.
The Catechism states in paragraph 528:
"The Epiphany is the manifestation of Jesus as Messiah of Israel, Son of God and Saviour of the world. The great feast of Epiphany celebrates the adoration of Jesus by the wise men (magi) from the East, together with his baptism in the Jordan and the wedding feast at Cana in Galilee. In the magi, representatives of the neighbouring pagan religions, the Gospel sees the first-fruits of the nations, who welcome the good news of salvation through the Incarnation. The magi's coming to Jerusalem in order to pay homage to the king of the Jews shows that they seek in Israel, in the messianic light of the star of David, the one who will be king of the nations. Their coming means that pagans can discover Jesus and worship him as Son of God and Saviour of the world only by turning towards the Jews and receiving from them the messianic promise as contained in the Old Testament."
The Epiphany of the Lord is God's revelation of His Son to the entire world, showing that salvation is meant for all, no matter who they are or where they come from, and that all can (and should!) adore Christ and come to know, love, and serve Him.
How do you make Christ present to others and allow every day to be a new "Epiphany" for those you encounter, no matter their background?
(Posted on @the_little_apologist Instagram 1/5/2025)
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