Friends, today we celebrate the solemnity of Epiphany. The term Epiphany is of Greek origin, “Epiphaninen,” a verb that means “to reveal” or “to manifest.” It celebrates the many ways through which Jesus has revealed himself to us and our world. These include the three events that bring to light his mission and divinity; the visitation of the three kings or Magi (Mt 2, 10-12), the baptism of Jesus (Mk 1, 9-11), and the miracle at Cana (Jn 2, 1-11). today, God reveals himself to us because he is good and loving. The light that shines forth upon us today is the light of life from which we must get our light and reflect it unto others. 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, the light of the world, guides 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 Feast of the Epiphany is a celebration of light. In the first reading of today, 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. Brothers and sisters, Epiphany is not just about an event long ago. 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. We must also make our lives better by letting the goodness that flows from us help others. We must let our light shine so that others can see with it as Christ illuminates our way and life this New Year with his light, life, divine presence, and counsel.
Friends, in the second reading of today, from the letter to the Ephesians, Paul talks about a mystery revealed to him. This mystery is that Gentiles are co-heirs with Jews, sharing 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. Brothers and sisters, 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.
Friends, the gospel of today from Matthew, is about the visitation of the three wise kings. They came to adore and offer gifts to the newborn king, Jesus Christ. This gospel is full of many lessons for us to learn. First, the three kings came to offer Christ genuine worship as the King of kings. Therefore, our worship must be sincere and from our hearts like that of the three wise Kings. It must not be like the proposed worship of Herod, which was false.
Friends, we must be ready to offer Jesus something. We must not appear before the Lord empty-handed. So, we must ask ourselves today, what do I offer the Lord for his goodness to me? The only gift we must offer God for his goodness to us is ourselves, the gift of a good life, the gift of love, the gift of obedience, the gift of humility, the gift of peace to our families and world, and the gift of sacrifice for one another. Also, we must learn to be generous to others as the three wise kings did to Jesus. As you expect gifts from your parents today, children try to be generous to others too, especially towards your parents. Parents, let us also be charitable towards our children today by giving them gifts as the wise kings gave to Jesus.
Friends, we must learn from the wise kings that we must continue to follow the star and light that Christ shows us. That is, we must not allow ourselves to be deceived or distracted on our journey by Herod. Trusting that God will not mislead or misguide us, we must continue to look out for his star and light in our lives and along the part of our journey to eternity. Brothers and sisters, any time we are confused or come to the crossroads of life, we must seek and wait until the star of Christ appears to show us the way we must proceed. This is what we may refer to as divine guidance and counsel in our lives. Therefore, we must ask God as the church prays, Father, to guide us with your light. Help us to recognize Christ in the Eucharist and welcome him with love, for he is Lord forever and ever. Amen. The Lord be with you …. May the almighty God bless you, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Have a Joyful Celebration of Epiphany and a Fruitful New Year in 2025
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By: Fr. Ben Chola mccj
Aka Omuntu Wa Bantu
