My dear people of God, today is the second Sunday after Christmas and the first Sunday of the first month of the year 2024. It is the Sunday we celebrate the feast of the Lord’s Epiphany. The word Epiphany is of Greek origin, epiphania, meaning “to reveal,” or “to manifest.”
The Feast of Epiphany tells us how Jesus, after his nativity, in Bethlehem, is revealed to the whole world. These revelations include the three events that bring to light his divine nature and mission: the visitation of the three wise men (Mt 2, 10-12), his baptism (Mk 1, 9-11), and the miracle at Cana (Jn. 2, 1-11). So, today’s feast reminds us that God revealed himself to us through his Son, Jesus Christ, His star shines on all who are disposed to welcome him. The first reading of this liturgy echoes the message of joy by saying: arise and shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. Yes, with the coming of Christ, the glory of his presence brightened the face of the earth. Our personal lives should radiate the light of Christ, so that others can see with it.
Today’s gospel reading tells us about the visitation of the three wise men from the East, who came to adore and offer gifts to the new born king, Jesus Christ. Who were these “wise men” and where did they come from? In the Greek text they are called magoi which is usually called in English “Magi”. They were a group of scholars who specialized in astrology and natural sciences. They were pagans of the gentile nations.
In the later Christian tradition, they were considered as kings, perhaps under the influence of Psalm 72:10 which says, “May the kings of Sheba and Seba bring gifts!”. Again, Prophet Isaiah says “Kings shall see and arise, princes… shall prostrate themselves”. Since the earliest days of the church, these wise men have been considered to be representatives of all the peoples of the earth.
Today’s gospel message has lots of information for us to digest. First, like the three wise men who offered a genuine worship to the new born King, Christ the Lord, may we need to believe, worship and adore Christ with sincerity of heart. It should not be like the false proposal of king Herod.
Second, as followers of Christ, we need to ask ourselves today, what will I offer the Lord for his goodness to me? The best gift to offer to God is the gift of oneself, the gift of love, the gift of obedience, the gift of humility, the gift of peace, and the gift of sacrifice. Again, the wise men heard the message of God and obey, as God’s children and followers of Christ, we need to be attentive to the voice of God and respond accordingly. As the Magi chose another route to return to their homes, we need to choose a better way of life, by abstaining from wrong doings.
In addition, we need to continue to follow the star that Christ shows us. That is, we must not allow the Harold of this modern world to misled or distract us on our faith journey. Trusting that God will not mislead us, we need to continue to watch out for the star and the light of Christ that will guide us to eternity. Any time we are confused, or come to the cross road of life, we must seek and wait until the star of Christ appears to show us the way we need to follow. This is what we may refer to as divine guidance and counsel in our lives.
Finally, let us remember that in the presence of God, there are no foreigners, no outsiders. All people on earth, whatever differences there may be, belong to one single family which has one Father. It means that every one of us is a brother and sister in the Divine presence of God.
Today, let us join the holy Mother Church as she prays: Father, guide us with your light. Help us to recognize Christ in the Eucharist, and welcome him with love, for He is the Lord forever and ever. Amen!