The Feast of Epiphany


In the ancient Church, Epiphany was the second greatest feast in the Church, after Easter. January 6 commemorates the manifestation of the glory of Christ to the Gentiles in the person of the Magi, as well as His Baptism and first miracle at Cana. Originating in the Eastern Church in the 3rd century, it soon spread to the West, where it is now commemorated especially for the apparition to the Magi.

In England and many European countries it is popularly known as Twelfth Night (after Christmas) and is the occasion for the revival of numerous quaint customs. The feast is a holy day of obligation in England, Scotland, and Ireland. The office of the day is particularly beautiful today.

Epiphany celebrates the universality of God's love, which is meant to be shared with all -- for people of all ages and places, for Gentiles as well as Jews. Each of the texts of the Mass illustrates this inclusion.

Opening Prayer

"You have revealed your glory to the nations."

First Reading

"Nations shall walk by your light."

Responsorial Psalm

Lord, every nation on earth will adore you."

The Magi or Wise Men were Gentiles who came from afar to present gifts to Jesus. Those who were nearby, however, would have nothing to do with
Jesus or His parents. In the New Testament, the Magi are referred to as sages. Scriptures say nothing as to how many there were. The numbers fluctuated greatly, but eventually it was said that there were three, probably because of the three gifts offered in Bethlehem. The gifts are symbolic: gold for nobility, frankincense for divinity, and myrrh prophetic of the Lord's saving death. The star may have been used as a literary device or it may have been a celestial phenomena such as Hailey's Comet or a conjuction of planets.

Epiphany is the day when the Father's eternal plan of salvation is revealed, when Christ's glory shines, and when humanity is renewed in His image.
Let us be wise men and women and follow in faith the star that leads us to Him.

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