The Epiphany of our Lord

He stretched out his hands for our gifts. He wanted the pure gold of a heart detached from all earthly goods; the myrrh of a renunciation of all the happiness of this world in exchange for participation in the life and suffering of Jesus; the frankincense of a will that surrenders itself and strains upward to lose itself in the divine will. In return for these gifts, the divine Child gave us himself. ~ St. Edith Stein

The Solemnity of the Epiphany (deriving from the Greek word epiphaneia, meaning “intense manifestation or appearance”) emphasizes the mystery of Christmas revealed in the Nativity Scene. God the Father chose to manifest Himself through a weak, frail infant, born in a dark and insignificant cave. Yet, from this dark cave arose an intense, divine light that attracted a peculiar group of people: the poor, Jewish shepherds and the royal, and wise Magi, who were likely non-Jews.

The Gospel declares God's plan for salvation for all by mentioning the "magi from the east," illustrating that Jesus redeems and reveals Himself to both the Jews (shepherds) and the Gentiles (the Magi). Matthew’s Gospel references Isaiah 60 and Psalm 72 and their inclusion of gifts from Sheba and Arabia being brought to the future King and Messiah. He alludes to the Old Testament prophecies and simultaneously points to the time after the Resurrection in Matthew 28:19 when he tells His disciples to go and “make disciples of all nations.” In the infant Jesus, we see that God desires all people to be with Him, and He desires for us to share Him with all people.

St. Edith Stein tells us that “the kings at the manger represent seekers from all lands and peoples.” What the three kings brought to the One True King was more than just gold, frankincense, and myrrh. They brought their old way of life to trade it in for a new life. Hence, they returned home “by another way” (Mt 2:12). We, too, are called to seek Jesus by His divine light—the good, the true, and the beautiful—just like the Magi. Only once we surrender and allow ourselves to be radically transformed by the intense love of God can we then go out to make disciples of all nations.

How can I share the Gospel with those I encounter in 2024?

What fears do I have that are keeping me from trading my old life for a new life?

What are some of my gifts and talents that I can bring to the Lord to glorify Him?