Epiphany

The Epiphany celebrates how God became manifest in the world. But it is also a story about how an encounter with God's divine presence leads to conversion. The Magi left the land that knew and upon discovering the newborn King choose a different road home. The Epiphany gives us the opportunity to ask ourselves if we are open to changing the direction of our lives and follow the Light of Christ?

 

 

Journey of the Magi

The Epiphany is the climax of the Advent/Christmas Season and the Twelve Days of Christmas celebrated throughout the world traditionally on January 6. The word epiphany means "to show," "to reveal," or "to make known." This feast celebrates the first manifestation of Jesus Christ as the Son of God, who came for the salvation of all people, of all nations, and of all races. We commemorate the Magi who followed the star to Bethlehem and worshiped the infant Jesus offering gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh (Matt 2:1-12). The Magi were the first to reveal Jesus to the wider world as the incarnate Christ. Our Advent longing is fulfilled in this Christmas miracle of God with us, Emmanuel.

The Magi according to eastern tradition were learned men, possibly astronomers, of great wealth. They possessed all things - money, respect, and influence - that the world tells us fulfills our every desire; and yet their hearts were restless. The Magi risked all their princely comforts to embark on an uncertain journey. "They desired more than simply knowledge about things," explains Pope Benedict XVI; they wanted above all else to know what is essential. And therefore they wanted to know if God exists, and where and how he exists. Whether he is concerned about us and how we can encounter him. Their outward pilgrimage was an expression of their inward journey, the inner pilgrimage of their hearts. They were men who sought God and were ultimately on the way towards him. They were seekers after God."

By a particular inspiration from God, the Magi follow a star in search of the newborn Jewish King. The star disappears when they reached Jerusalem and thus believe they have reached their journey's end. Where is all the music and dancing in the streets heralding the birth of their King and Savior? There is only the humdrum of business as usual. Did they misread the signs? Were they wrong? Resolute in following the divine call, the Magi proceed to Herod's court and ask with confidence and humility: "Where is he that is born king of the Jews?"

Herod, threatened by the prospect of a new "king" usurping his power, calls the chief priests and scribes to advise the Magi  with new directions. Herod charges the Magi to return and inform him of the child's whereabouts under the guise of his desire to pay homage to the newborn king. Upon leaving Jerusalem, they are overjoyed to see the star that guided them before has reappeared. The Magi find the infant in the arms of his mother and kneel down and adore their God offering symbolic gifts of gold (acknowledging a king), incense, (symbol of God's presence) and myrrh (ancient funeral spice, recognizing Jesus' paschal destiny). About to return home, God knowing Herod's sinister intentions, inspires the Magi to take another road back to their own countries. 

What significance does this story of the Magi have for us today? Deacon Greg Kandra explains that the Magi left the land they knew to follow a light to a place of uncertainty and discovered the Savior of the world. The Magi's encounter with God's divine presence literally changed them and the direction of their lives. As Matthew's Gospel puts it" "They returned home by another way." The old way of traveling no longer works; a different path is needed.

What about us? The Epiphany is about discovery - meeting the Christ child, who is the source of all our yearning and searching. Christ our light is come. As we place the Christmas tree curbside, store our Christmas decorations in the attic, and return to Ordinary time, are we willing to change the direction of our lives and take a different route? The Epiphany asks us, like the Magi, to put everything aside to seek Jesus Christ. And once we encounter Christ, to bow down and adore our Lord and carry the Light of Christ to all those we meet.

The Epiphany is a story about those in search of God, who make a journey, and once they encounter Christ, change direction and find another way to walk the journey of life.

 

 

Let us set out and go with God.

 

Journaling with Jesus

 

Begin with a few minutes of silent prayer becoming aware of God's presence and humbly seek the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart. Then focus on the following questions for personal reflection and journaling.

 

 

 

Have you ever made a change of direction in your life that resulted in conversion, a change of heart or becoming closer to God?

To whom do you listen as you journey?

What is leading your journey through life?

Where do we hope your journey will end?

Listen for Jesus' response through Scripture, personal insight, and encounters with others. What do you think Jesus might be saying to you at this time?