The Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord, celebrated on January 6.
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The Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord is one of the most profound celebrations in the liturgical calendar. It marks the manifestation of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, as symbolized by the visit of the Magi. The word "epiphany" means "manifestation" or "revelation," and on this feast, we commemorate the moment when the Savior of the world was revealed not only to the Jewish people but to all nations.
The journey of the Magi, guided by a star, represents the search for truth and the willingness to follow God’s signs. According to the Gospel of Matthew (2:1-12), the Magi were wise men from the East who came to Bethlehem, bringing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These gifts were not only tokens of respect but prophetic symbols of Jesus’ kingship (gold), His divinity (frankincense), and His future suffering (myrrh). Their journey emphasizes that the birth of Christ is a cosmic event, one that has far-reaching implications for the entire world.
The feast also highlights that Jesus’ mission is universal. The visit of the Magi shows that the salvation brought by Christ is not confined to the Jewish people but is open to all humanity. This revelation to the Gentiles foreshadows the Great Commission given by Jesus to His apostles: to go forth and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19). The Epiphany thus marks the beginning of the Church’s mission to spread the Gospel to every corner of the Earth.
As we celebrate the Epiphany, we are reminded that Christ is the Light of the World, a light that shines for all people. This feast invites us to reflect on our own response to the revelation of Christ. Are we, like the Magi, willing to follow the signs God places in our lives, seeking Christ wherever He may be found? Are we willing to offer Him the gifts of our hearts, lives, and service? On this feast day, let us renew our commitment to sharing the light of Christ with the world, just as the Magi did so long ago.
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*All articles in our blog are written with the help of ChatGPT AI and reviewed by human editors.