The Scriptural conception of the Epiphany means the historically tangible invasion of the world by the personal God. The Feast of the Epiphany is the apex or the highest point of the Christmas Season. Traditionally known in many parts of the world as Little Christmas, it is a commemoration of the manifestation of God to all nations. It commemorates not only the birth of Christ and the visit of the magi, but also His baptism in the Jordan and the manifestation of His glory at the wedding feast of Cana.
In the Catholic Tradition the focus is on the first of these commemorations: the visit of the Magi and the implications of that visit for the glorious manifestation of God to all peoples of the world. Namely, that Christ is the revelation of God to all the nations and new relationships are established between Jew and Gentile.
Led by a star, the Magi, who were astrologers, come in search of the infant king. They have been attentive to the marvels of the universe, and read signs in the heavens. They represent all who search for truth in the wonders of creation and in the wisdom of their own cultures of origin. Even though He did not conform to their initial perception of a royal heir, they were able to recognize the gift of God when they found Him because they searched with eyes of faith. They returned to their homelands, enlightened by their visit to God’s place of revelation. Their encounter shows that in Christ the light of God is given to all people of good will, Jew and non-Jew alike.
The manifestation of Emmanuel (God-with-us) should change our attitude, the ways in which we perceive and experience people, places and things. Christ’s birth provides us with the light by which we see a new criterion for relating. The Magi who come in faith to worship the child represent the multi-ethnic and cultural diversity in civic and parish situations as well as the world.
To us, who are related no longer merely by blood affiliation or national origin, Christ offers the spirit of holiness as the ground for our relationships. This new universal belonging will be manifest in the community of believers who live no longer in the darkness or in exclusivity and sin, but by a new dispensation of grace. All people, regardless of ethnic origin, can be co-heirs with Christ.
How appropriate for us today in the year 2010, in an age of wireless scientific and technological achievements are the words of St. Peter, when he says in this letter, “Therefore, I will always remind you of these things, even though you already know them and are established in the truth you have. That His power has bestowed on us everything that makes for life and devotion, through the knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and power.
Through these, He has bestowed on us the precious and very great promises [grace and peace], so that through them you may come to share in the divine nature, after escaping from the corruption that is in the world because of evil desire.
For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, virtue with knowledge, knowledge with self-control, self-control with endurance, endurance with devotion, devotion with mutual affection, and mutual affection with love. You will do well to be attentive to it, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.”
Deacon George