Epiphany of our Lord (2025)

 Epiphany of our Lord: January 05, 2025

Isaiah 60:1-6; Ephesians 3:2-3a.5-6; Matthew 2:1-12

(Image courtesy: Google)

In the year 1880 in Paris, a rather poorly dressed priest showed up at a presbytery looking for a night’s lodgings. He had come all the way from Turin, in Italy, and was trying to raise funds to build a church. The visitor’s name was John Bosco, but this meant nothing to the resident priest, so he put him in the attic. Many years later when John Bosco was declared a saint by the Church, the priest said, ‘had I known it was John Bosco, I would not have put him in the attic; I would have given him the best room in the house.’

Epiphany calls is to a new vision of the world that sees beyond the walls and borders, colours and creeds, races and castes that we have created and to walk by the light which has dawned for all of humankind, a light by which we are able to recognize all men and women as our brothers and sisters under the loving providence of God, the Father of all.

The word "epiphany" itself signifies "manifestation" or "revelation." On this day, we celebrate the revelation of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, symbolized by the visit of the Magi. These wise men, guided by a star, travelled great distances, overcoming obstacles both physical and spiritual, to find the newborn King. They knew not exactly what they would encounter on their journey but were driven by an inner compulsion to seek the divine.

The story of the Magi reminds us that God often reveals Himself in mundane and unexpected places. Their journey began not in a palace or a temple but in the vastness of the desert, guided only by the night sky. They were scholars, perhaps men of status in their own land, yet they found God wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. This stark contrast between their expectations and the reality they encountered speaks profoundly to us today.

In our own lives, we often seek God in grand gestures, in the extraordinary moments of our existence—powerful retreats, church gatherings, or moments of divine inspiration. However, the Epiphany invites us to consider that God often meets us in the ordinary aspects of our lives: in daily work, in quiet moments of reflection, in relationships, and through the challenges we face. It is often where we least expect it—within the chaos of daily routines—that we can encounter the divine.

The arrival of the Magi, who were likely from Persia or Babylon, adds another layer of richness to the epiphany narrative. Their presence at the birth of Jesus signifies that God's revelation transcends cultural and religious boundaries. They are a reminder that God does not belong to a single group or set of believers. The Epiphany invites us to recognize and celebrate the diverse ways through which God's grace can be experienced.

In our increasingly diverse world, it can be tempting to view differences with suspicion or to hold on to a narrow understanding of who is included in God's family. Yet, just as the Magi were guided by their own cultural lens to seek the Messiah, we too are called to respect and embrace the various paths that lead people to God. All around us, even in those we might consider "other," we encounter the spirit of God shining through, teaching us about love, faith, and the beauty of creation.

Moreover, the journey of the Magi teaches us an essential lesson about the spirituality of pilgrimage. Their trek was not merely about reaching a destination but about the experiences gained along the way—the conversations they shared, the stars they followed, the reflections they made. In their pursuit of truth, they had to be open to challenges, re-directions, and perhaps even doubt. 

Life itself is a journey, not a sprint to a finish line. There are moments of clarity and certainty, and there are times of confusion and ambiguity. Just as the Magi navigated unknown paths, we too are called to embrace our journey with faith. It is in the twists and turns of our experiences—those moments of struggle, waiting, and uncertainty—that God is often most profoundly revealed to us. We find Him when we are willing to ask questions, challenge our preconceived notions, and seek deeper meaning.

As we reflect on the journey and the revelation of the Magi, we are also reminded of the call to respond to God’s manifestation in our lives through acts of service. Upon finding Jesus, the Magi did not simply celebrate their discovery; they presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Each gift was laden with symbolic meaning, indicating recognition of Jesus as King, God, and the one who would ultimately face suffering.

Our response to God’s revelation should also culminate in our generosity and willingness to serve others. The beautiful tapestry of our human experience is woven with threads of love and service. When we encounter God, we are called to share that revelation by extending ourselves to those in need of compassion, understanding, and support. The rhythms of our daily lives should echo the love of Christ—reaching out in service to our family, friends, and even those who are strangers to us.

As we celebrate this Epiphany of our Lord, let us take inspiration from the Magi. May we remain open to discovering God in unknown ways, in the unexpected corners of our lives. Let us be attentive to the mundane and the diverse, for there lies the potential to encounter the Almighty. Embrace your journey, trust in the process, and respond to God’s blessings through acts of service.

As we gather around the Eucharistic table today, may we open our hearts to the understanding that God is constantly revealing Himself, often in ways that defy our expectations. Let us pray for the grace to seek Him diligently and to recognize His presence in the world, even in the least likely of circumstances.

Happy Feast