Today we celebrate the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord. This word, which comes from Greek, means “manifestation”. Indeed, by allowing himself to be discovered by the Magi, the Lord manifests himself to the world and to the whole universe, represented by the Magi who came from the East.
The first reading is taken from ‘Third Isaiah’ (the author to whom chapters 56-66 of the Book of Isaiah are attributed). This section was written after the return from exile, i.e. after 538 BC. The author, who ministered to a discouraged people, gives them hope and encourages them to continue to hope in the Lord, because God is faithful to his word. The symbol of the sun rising over Jerusalem and illuminating the hill of Zion illustrates the fulfilment of God’s promises. As he looks to the future, this prophet sees Jerusalem become the light of the world.
With the days of exile now over, Jerusalem must resume its dual role: symbol of the unity of believers in YHWH and visible sign of God’s presence among his people. The light rising over the city symbolises this glory and God’s presence among his people. In this futuristic vision of Third Isaiah, the gathering in Jerusalem will no longer be limited to the Israelites but will include all the nations of the earth. Even pagans and their kings will flock to Jerusalem with gifts. For us Christians today, the Church is that Jerusalem gathering together different peoples without discrimination. It is a symbol of the unity of all Christians in Christ and a sign of God’s presence among his people.
In the second reading, Paul explains the mystery of the pagans’ introduction into the Church. The pagans are also called to access the revelation of God’s mystery in Jesus Christ. The light brought by Christ is intended for the whole world, not just for the Jews. Now, the Gentiles too can share in eternal life. In his immense love, God had already destined us for salvation through Christ even before we existed. The Holy Spirit helps us to enter into this mystery. We must cooperate with the grace of the Holy Spirit. Epiphany is not a thing of the past; it is a reality that we must live every day.
In the Gospel, Jesus reveals himself to wise men (magi, according to the Gospel) who have come from afar. He reveals himself as the light of the world. Contrary to the beliefs of the time, Jesus’ revelation to foreigners has made salvation no longer limited to a single nation but open to all. Here again, as in the first and second readings, the Gospel signifies the universal nature of salvation. From now on, all cultures will have access to faith in God and the salvation he brings in Jesus Christ. Everyone is invited to know their Saviour and live in communion with him.
The Magi recognised a sign from God: one star among many. God always gives us signs: it is up to us to discover his sign amongst all the signs around us.
Each of us is the face of God today, and each of us, through our way of life, is invited to reveal the face of God to others. Let us reveal something of God’s face. We should all ask ourselves: do the people around me sense something of God’s presence in me?
Today’s Gospel uses a highly symbolic language.
It tells of the Magi’s visit to Bethlehem. The text does not mention their number, names, or nationalities. It simply says ‘Magi from the East’. Tradition tells us that there were three of them: Melchior, Caspar, and Balthazar.
In ancient times, it was believed that the appearance of a star announced the birth of an important person. The brightness of the star was related to the greatness of the person.
Who are the Magi? This term may evoke specific categories of people: priests, magicians, kings, astrologers, wise men…
Astrologers interpret world events by studying the position of the stars.
The star that these Magi saw signified the birth of a king. They allowed themselves to be guided by the light of this star. The same applies to us as believers: we must allow ourselves to be guided by God’s light. Christ is our Light. The Word of God is our light, the lamp for our steps: ‘Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light for my path’ (Psalm 119:105). ‘I am the light of the world,’ says Jesus in John 8:12.
The Magi go to the religious authorities in Jerusalem to verify the authenticity of their revelation. As soon as they arrive at King Herod’s palace, he summons the chief priests and scribes to examine the Holy Scriptures… Indeed, the verification is done, and a prophecy confirms the Magi’s revelation in Micah 5:1-5. Here we see the importance of always returning to the source of revelation: the Word of God, but also of verifying revelations with religious authorities to be sure there is no mistake. Otherwise, we risk falling into charlatanism…
It is essential to discern whether revelations and prophecies align with the Word of God and the life of Christ. Currently, there are too many false revelations and prophecies, some of which may be diabolical…
Herod the Great is upset by the news of the birth of a king. He is afraid of a tiny child, Jesus. The fear of losing power consumes him. Fear is not a good advisor! Caught up in his fear, the king orders the execution of all children under the age of two. When we are afraid of losing power, we are prepared to do anything, even kill those who pose a threat to our control. We think we are all-powerful, but one day we will lose that power. History is there to confirm this. Those who think they are all-powerful today will not be so tomorrow; death will take them away…
When they arrive in Bethlehem, they bow down before the child. This is a gesture of worship. Pagans recognise the presence of God in a child, while the Jews, until now, have not recognised Jesus as the Messiah sent by God. They are still waiting for him!
These magi express their respect for God. What is our attitude towards God? Do we show respect in the house of God? How do we receive the Eucharist? How do we express our respect for this God who is present in every human being, especially in the poor?
They present:
GOLD: a symbol of wealth. This is what one gives to a king. All wealth comes from God, and it is to him that we must give it back. God is rich in mercy.
INCENSE: This is what we offer to God with the prayers of the faithful: “Then another angel came and stood at the altar, holding a golden censer. He was given much incense to offer, with the prayers of all the saints, on the golden altar before the throne. And the smoke of the incense rose before God, together with the prayers of the saints” (Rev 8:3-4). (See also Ps 141:2; Exodus 30:8 and Lev 2:1-2)
MYRRH: A prophetic gesture announcing the death of Christ, myrrh is offered to embalm the body of Christ. Here it is the passion, death and resurrection of Christ that are announced. The Paschal mystery is already present in the mystery of Christmas. The little child whom the Magi discover already carries within him the salvation of the world.
After their gesture, the Magi are warned not to return by the same route; they must take a different one. As soon as we encounter God, we must choose another path: conversion (metanoia: a change of direction). We must make a radical change…
The solemnity we celebrate today encourages us to see each encounter as a visitation, an epiphany of God. Each time we encounter a living being, we encounter God through that being… Each person must become an epiphany for others.
To conclude, I suggest we meditate on the hymn from the second vespers of this solemnity: ‘In the East, the star has appeared’. We find this hymn in the breviary and online. Let’s meditate on the last sentence of each stanza: happy is the heart that desires Jesus! Happy is the heart that seeks Jesus! Happy is the heart that discovers Jesus! Happy is the heart that gives itself to Jesus! Happy is the heart that proclaims Jesus.
By: Arsène Kapya, M.Afr.