CHRIST’S SALVATION FOR ALL
The Epiphany manifests Christ’s salvation for all and the universal. Fundamentally, the Feast of Epiphany demonstrates that God is an inclusive God. He does not exclude anyone or anything from his saving grace and mercy.
The revelatory manifestation of God came to us through the birth of an infant Child, Jesus Chris and the Magi’s visit from the Far East.
Christian tradition sees the Magi as the first fruits of the Gentiles. The Magi visit was the awakening moment of a new dawn of salvation for Israel and all the peoples of the earth. It is the dawn of new and divine governance of God’s sovereignty. Hence, Epiphany is an affirmation of universal salvation.
THE ETYMOLOGY OF EPIPHANY
The Greek word Epiphany (επιφάνεια), means appearance or manifestation. Epiphany is about the multiple revelations or manifestations of Jesus as God to the world.
That is the Epiphany in different conjugations such as: “epiphainein”, meaning “reveal” or “epiphaneia”, meaning “appearance” or “manifestation,” and refers to the manifestation or revelation of Jesus Christ to the world.
THE HISTORY OF THE FEAST OF EPIPHANY
The feast of the Epiphany was kept in the Eastern and some Western Churches before being observed in Rome. It seems to have been originally a feast of the nativity. The Eastern churches observed January as Christmas Day. It is December 25, as celebrated in the Roman Church.
The Feast of Epiphany was introduced in Rome in the second half of the sixth century. It became the complement and, so to say, the crown of the Christmas festival.
Traditionally, the actual day for celebrating the Solemnity of Epiphany is January 6. Though, it is one of the moveable liturgical celebrations. It could be celebrated on a Sunday before or after the 6th if that is not a Sunday. It is a movable feast within the Church’s liturgical calendar.
EPIPHANY IS THE THEOPHANY IN OUR LIVES
Theophany is God’s many ways of manifesting Himself to us.
- First, in His creation in time and space.
- Through His word to Israel’s history and experiences
- The fullness of Theophany is the revelation of God’s only Begotten Son: Jesus Christ.
- God’s daily manifestation is seen in our lives and the people we meet in family and community.
- He reveals Himself in nature, events, and life’s experiences.
- More so, He manifests Himself to us in the sacraments, Word and the great and little things of life.
- Today, God can speak through us and our actions. We might be the gospel others can read or view.
Sadly, many of us are not aware of these manifestations of God, in, around and through us.
IMPLICATIONS OF THE EPIPHANY
This is all about Epiphany, the revelation of Our Lord Jesus Christ. That is the moment when Christ revealed Himself to ALL: Jews and Gentiles.
The point of emphasis today is that the Good News and Salvation of Christ is for EVERYONE with no EXCEPTION. Alleluia! Amen! Eph. 3: 2-6.
This Divine Revelation of Christ and its messages open to ALL a right and a privilege to all divine benefits as Co-heirs of God’s richness and grace in Christ Jesus. Eph.3
However, this benefit of grace implies a great responsibility to make this manifestation known to ALL, by letting the Light of faith shine on all nations, people, families and souls.
There are many key actors to imitate in this task of making known the light of divine grace or revelation to ALL: the angels, the shepherds, and the wise men who could not hold back the Good Tidings of the Saviour’s birth to themselves, but announced it to all nooks and crannies!
OUR THEME
The readings of this feast of the Epiphany present us with the theophany of God in the person of Jesus Christ. They focus on the brightness of glory or the light of God shining to dispel the darkness of sin and ungodliness.
The young Messiah: Jesus Christ is revealed as the light of the nations. God is for all people and nations without racial, cultural or ethnic distinction or discrimination. He who visits and lives among men.
Christ’s manifestation or revelation to the world implies He is a barrier-breaker of stereotypes among people: Jews and Gentiles, sinners and saints, men and women, free and slaves, young and old.
In this way, there is also a universal call to follow the star of grace, seek and offer Him our most precious gift: our hearts to know and adore Him.
FIRST READING: ISAIAH 60:1-6
The Prophet Isaiah prophesying Christ’s birth and the visit of the Magi articulates the purpose of the theophanic revelation. God’s glory and the light will shine on the pagan nations that live in darkness and the shadow of death. They will recognise the Messianic presence of God in Christ and come to him with their gifts and adorations.
The psalmist in Psalm 147 invites us to Praise the Lord in Jerusalem. As peace is established on earth for all people and nations
SECOND READING: EPHESIANS 3:2-3, 5-6
In his letter to the Church or Christians of Ephesus, St Paul explains the universal implication of the Epiphany of Jesus Christ. The Messianic secret hidden for many ages is now revealed to all. In Christ Jesus through the work and action of the Holy Spirit.
In other words, Christ is here to save all people without racial distinction. Henceforth, through grace, Gentiles share the same heritage, blessings and privileges as the Jews in Christ Jesus.
The truth is that only through the action of the Holy Spirit and an integrated Christian life in Christ Jesus can we break down racial, cultural, ethnic, social, political and religious barriers that divide us.
THE GOSPEL: MATTHEW 2:1-12
Matthew’s gospel fulfils Isaiah’s prophecy in the first reading of today. The Magi’s visit shows the light of Christ for all the nations.
The Magi’s visit shows the light of Christ for all the nations. Today’s Gospel reminds us that if God permitted the Magi–foreigners and pagans–to recognise and give Jesus proper respect as God, Priest and King of Jews. Equally, we should know that nothing in our sinful lives will keep God from bringing us to Jesus.
TODAY’S GOSPEL PRESENTS US WITH THREE REACTIONS OF MAN TO JESUS AND GOD
The Gospel presents us with men’s three reactions to Jesus, the light of God who came to illuminate all nations and people.
1. Herod´s reaction of hatred and hostility. He was afraid that this little child was going to interfere with his life, his place, his power, and his influence, and therefore his first instinct was to destroy or eliminate the Child Jesus.
2. The reaction of the chief priests and scribes was complete indifference. Such a significant birth meant nothing to them. They were so engrossed in their Temple ritual and their legal discussions that they completely disregarded or ignored the Child Jesus.
3. The reaction of the wise men– foreigners and pagans – they left everything that mattered to them and followed the star to the place of Christ’s birth to adore and worship Him.
And with the desire to lay at the feet of Jesus Christ the noblest gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh which they could bring to recognize as the King of Jews.
MEN AND THE FOLLOWING OF CHRIST
Today, the tragedy is that many Christians are driven by selfishness and personal interest or ambition. That Christ and his kingdom do not matter at all.
The fact is there are many of us in which religion and religious rites and rituals mean personal aggrandizement rather than holistic transformation through Christ and the Holy Spirit.
There are very few who risk all to do the will of God and to offer Christ the best gift of their hearts, souls and lives.
THE BIG LESSON TODAY IS THAT IN CHRIST JESUS THERE IS ONLY INCLUSIVITY WITH NO EXCLUSIVITY.
BIBLICAL AND TRADITIONAL HISTORICAL IMAGES OF THE MAGI
There is a lot to learn about the personalities and imagery in the gospel text.
First, the wise men from the East known as the Magi were believed to have come from the Median tribe. The Medes were part of the Empire of the Persians. The Magi were teachers and instructors of the Persian kings. Men are skilled in philosophy, medicine and natural sciences like astrology. They were soothsayers and interpreters of dreams at their best they were good and holy men who sought truth.
(i) Tradition has the names of the Magi are: Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar.
(ii) Melchior was an old man, grey-haired and with a long beard, and it was he who brought the gift of gold.
(iii) Caspar was young, beardless and ruddy in countenance, and it was he who brought the gift of frankincense.
(iv) Balthasar was swarthy, with the beard newly grown upon him, and it was he who brought the gift of myrrh.
SYMBOLIC MEANING OF THE GIFTS OF THE MAGI
Second, the gifts are very symbolic of Christ’s identity and his mission on earth. Gold is a gift for a king, and frankincense is a gift for a priest. While myrrh is the gift for one who is to die.
That is, these costly gifts have allegorical meanings imbued in them. Gold signifies or honours the kingship of Jesus, incenses his divinity, and myrrh his sacred humanity that was to experience death and burial.
Third, in ancient times, all men believed in astrological signs. They believed that the future could be foretold by the stars. That is, man’s destiny was settled by the star under which he was born.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE LEADING STAR
The star of grace is the brilliant star that appeared and led the Magi to Christ. The unmerited gift of God disposes to accompany all seekers of the truth to the Eternal Truth and Light, Jesus Christ King, Lord, and Saviour of the world.
Today, there is no need to follow stars or believe in astrology. We have Christ, the Bright Morning Star that leads us to God.
THE DILEMMA OF POWER: JESUS AND HEROD
Fourth, Herod was a powerful, crafty, deadly, suspicious and murderous king. He was threatened by a child born to be king. It is somehow unimaginable how the innocent, vulnerable and dependent baby could impose a threat to the political power of Herod.
According to historians, Herod was half-Jew and Idumaean, and He was very subordinate to Roman power and authority. He ruled over the Jews and Palestinians and ensured a peaceful coexistence among the warring factions. Herod was also a very generous man who built the temple in Jerusalem and fed the people in times of famine.
However, he was a power-drunken individual with a bloodthirsty lust for power. He was highly insane and suspicious of everyone especially, those perceived as posing a threat to his power.
He was known to have killed his wife Mariamne and her mother, Alexandra. His eldest son, Antipater, and two other sons, Alexander and Aristobulus, were assassinated by Herod.
It is clear why the birth of a child born king will pose a threat to him. As well as provoke a wave of murderous anger in him to go after innocent children. Concerning power and authority, most men and women are not only insatiable but brutal with them. They are abusive like Herod, whether in a political or religious setting.
THE LESSONS FROM THE GOSPEL OF TODAY
In the world of picking, choosing and dropping off what we do or do not like. A world of racial, social and cultural discrimination against certain individuals or groups. Faith in a universal Saviour is much needed.
Equally, in a world full of power-drunk local kings like Herod are ready to use ALL for selfish interests and eliminate all perceived threats. The image of an infant king will help us to see power. That is not something to be grasped by all means but as service to others.
FUNDAMENTAL QUESTIONS
1. Do you limit Christ or God from the reach of others who are not like you?
2. What is the amount or limitation of your acceptance of Christ and gospel messages? How open are you to Christ: his truth, light, and lifestyle?
3. What sacrifice have you made for following Christ?
4. What have you given up for Christ? What gift can you offer to God?
5. Whenever the idea of some accepting or rejecting Jesus comes up the fundamental challenge is how am I responding to Him?
6. Who do I kneel before in terms of worship? Do I have a sense of awe and wonder before God Christ in my daily encounter with Him in prayer?
7. What values or worth do I place on the gift I offer to God? In the effort to give or share self, time, energy, and resources do I think God merits the best of me?
8. What are our gifts to the presence of Christ in our midst? How is our faith journey towards Christ? Did it involve leaving everything to search for Christ?
OUR PRAYER
Lord Jesus Christ, revealed Lord and God of glory and majesty, in the world of picking, choosing, and dropping what we like and don’t like, of discriminating against specific individuals or groups, or in a world full of power-drunk local kings like Herod ready to use ALL for selfish interests and to eliminate all perceived threats. Help us to see power as service in humidity, but, above all, to offer ourselves as living gifts of Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh to the Infant King revealed to ALL today. Amen
