Friends, the Epiphany of Our Lord is a feast that celebrates Jesus being made known to the world. It remembers the visit of the magi, also called wise men, who traveled from far away to find the newborn King. They followed a star that led them to Jesus. This story reminds us that Jesus came for all people. The magi were not Jewish, but they were still welcomed. They brought gifts and knelt before Jesus. This shows that anyone who seeks the truth can come to Him. The Epiphany of Our Lord is about light shining in the darkness. It shows how God calls people from every place and nation. The magi followed the light, and they found joy. We are invited to do the same. The Feast of the Epiphany is a celebration of light and revelation. It marks the visit of the Magi to the infant Jesus, highlighting that His coming is for all nations. Through reflections on Isaiah’s prophecy, Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, and the Gospel of Matthew, we explore how Jesus’ light shines for all, guiding and inviting us to follow Him. Lord Jesus, light of the world, guide us to You. Help us to see Your light in our lives. May we follow Your example of humility and love. Teach us to share Your light with others, showing them the way to Your truth and grace.
Friends, the first reading of today from the prophet Isaiah enjoins us to: “Arise and Shine out Jerusalem, for your light has come, the glory of the Lord is rising on you.” Isaiah’s prophecy speaks of a great light shining upon Jerusalem. This light attracts nations and kings. It shows the presence of God and marks the beginning of a new time. This prophecy points to the coming of Jesus, the Messiah. He is the light for all people. Isaiah mentions gifts of gold and frankincense. These gifts are the same as those the Magi brought to Jesus. This connection ties the Old Testament to the New Testament. It shows how the prophecies are fulfilled in Jesus. The gifts of the Magi honor Jesus as king and God. It reminds us that Jesus’ mission is for everyone. He came for all nations and all people. The light of Jesus shines on us today, guiding us and showing us the way. This light invites us to follow Jesus and to share His light with others.
Friends, in his letter to the Ephesians, Paul talks about a mystery revealed to him. This mystery is that Gentiles are co-heirs with Jews, sharing in the same promises through Jesus. This reading fits well with the Feast of the Epiphany. It shows that the salvation Jesus brings is for everyone. In the past, there were strong divisions between Jews and Gentiles. Paul’s message was radical because it broke down these barriers. He explained that in Jesus, all people are welcome. This is the same message we see in the Epiphany, where the Magi, who were not Jews, came to worship Jesus. Their visit shows that Jesus came for all nations. The Feast of the Epiphany celebrates this inclusive message. It reminds us that Jesus’ grace is for everyone, no matter their background. The light of Jesus shines on all people, inviting us to be part of God’s family. We are called to live out this message of unity and share the good news with others. Brothers and sisters, Paul simply affirms the scripture, which says that God allows his light or rain to fall on both the good and the bad. He allows it upon the good to make him better and upon the bad to transform him into good.
The Gospel of Matthew tells the story of the Magi visiting Jesus. This is more than a story about wise men bringing gifts. It shows that Jesus is the Messiah for all people. The star guiding the Magi symbolizes God’s light leading all nations to Jesus. This light is different from the power of King Herod. Herod is powerful and fearful. Jesus, though a baby, shows a different kind of kingship. He is humble and vulnerable, yet He changes the world. Jesus’ kingship is marked by humility and love. He does not come with force but with gentleness. The Magi, wise and powerful in their own right, bow down to this humble king. This act shows that true wisdom recognizes the value of humility and love. Brothers and sisters, as we celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany, we are reminded that Jesus’ light shines for everyone. His humble kingship calls us to live with love and service. Let us follow the example of the Magi, seeking Jesus and sharing His light with the world. The Lord be with you …may the Almighty God bless you, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. I wish you a blessed Sunday and a happy New Year full of God’s blessings.
