Epiphany

Matthew 2 : 1 - 12

When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly...

they fell down and worshipped him

The word Epiphany means "manifestation". It is used for this feast as it was accepted that Jesus Christ manifested to the eyes of men his divine mission.........a star appeared in the East, revealing his birth to the wise men. Thus was fulfilled the prophecy that "a star would arise from Jacob" (Num. 24: 17). The wise men understood that this star announced the birth of the Savior king. And in spite of the difficulties and dangers of a long and tedious journey, they hastened at once to Bethlehem to pay him homage.

God continues to manifest his presence in our world today. Sometimes this is clearly seen, as in his acts of healing and other miraculous deeds. At other times, the presence of God is veiled and only those with eyes of faith can see and declare with wonder that "we have seen the Lord". There are still other times when God's presence is much more hidden; even then, in the seeming absence is his presence; graced mystery.

May we humbly ask for eyes that see, ears that hear and hearts that receive the epiphanies of our Lord. May we desire to know and to encounter Jesus Christ and through him to know the Father.
May we help others to open themselves to the manifestations of the Lord in our world; a Light that shines in the darkness.