EPIPHANY: GOD IN CHRIST JESUS IS FOR ALL
The feast of today, the epiphany of the Lord Jesus Christ beats our imagination of GOD FOR ALL without exclusion from the fold or cliquish within the fold. The readings of the day attest to this fundamental principle of our faith and Christian living.
The implication of the Feast of Epiphany is the call to the manifestation of our Christian life to the world threatened by the hidden darkness of ¨Herod¨ in us, in world systems, and sometimes in the Church. Yes, an authentic Christian acknowledges the immanence of the divine in all people of goodwill in every culture
THE ETYMOLOGY AND MEANING OF EPIPHANY
The Greek word Epiphany (επιφάνεια), ”EPHIPHANEIN” means appearance or manifestation or from the Latin word ”EPIPHANIA”, which means a moment of revelation or realisation. In other words, “epiphany” means “a showing forth”, which implies ultimately a manifestation or revelation! The Feast of Christmas is inconclusive without the Epiphany.
This is all Epiphany is about: the Manifestation or Revelation of Our Lord Jesus Christ to ALL – Jews and Gentiles. Today´s feast is about the multiple revelations or manifestations of Jesus as God, King, and Priest.
In a nutshell, Epiphany means manifestation. What the Church celebrates today is the manifestation of our Lord to the whole world. Thus, the Epiphany is an affirmation of universal salvation. In God: Christ Jesus, there is all inclusion and no exclusion of anyone from grace, mercy, love, peace, justice and redemption.
OUR THEME
In this Feast, God in Christ Jesus takes the Centre Stage of human history. He is all in all. The central theme of today’s celebration is that God is for all.
It focuses on the coming of Jesus, his acceptance by the pagan nations (Magi) and rejection by his people (Herod and the uneventful and indifferent nation of Israel).
It is the feast of the whole mystery of faith encapsulated in the person of Christ, the born infant God, King, Priest and Sacrifice.
The Christian life is a search for God that ends with a profound encounter, worship, and offerings of gifts and self to God.
There is also a theme of the joy of the encounter with Christ – that brings out the best in us: self, gifts, time, talents, energy, giving and sharing.
FIRST READING: ISAIAH 60:1-6
The prophecy of Isaiah 60:1-6 was not just a fulfilment of the gospel but a manifestation of God: Immanuel to all people, races, nations and individuals. God´s salvation, glory and light are for all.
It is also about being cognisant of the shining star that led the Magi to Christ the King to offer him homage and gifts. It was also a declaration of the nation of Israel as a light to the nations in darkness.
It is not only the Feast of a Light that shows forth, Is. 60:1-6. Neither, it is only a manifestation of Christ to the world. Therefore, Isaiah prophesized to the Light of God among amid the darkness that shines on all nations and people without exclusion or discrimination.
SECOND READING: EPHESIANS 3:2-3, 5-6
St. Paul´s Letter to the Ephesians 3:2-3, 5-6 emphasizes plainly that God´s grace and mystery were hidden for centuries are now revealed to humankind: Jews and Pagans alike through the Holy Spirit.
In this Feast, God in Christ Jesus takes the Centre Stage of human history. He is all in all. Hence, in the distribution of grace, we are all co-heirs, members of one body and claimants to the same promises in Christ.
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 has an implication that comes with a great responsibility of making this manifestation known to ALL, by letting the Light of faith shines on all nations, people, families and soul.
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!
THE GOSPEL: MATTHEW 2:1-12
In the Gospel of Matthew 2:1-12, there is a concrete fulfilment of the prophecy of Isaiah. God´s manifestation in real-time human history: an invitation to light that leads all out of the darkness.
The event of evil or darkness trying to destroy or dominate light as represented in Herod is still a threat to all.
If there is any implication of the epiphany: the manifestation of the saviour for us Christians. It is this, the Christian life and faith are not hidden life or grace. Rather, one meant to be shown, lived out for all to see.
TODAY’S GOSPEL PRESENTS US WITH THREE REACTIONS OF MAN TO JESUS AND GOD
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 him.
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 Jesus.
3. The reaction of the wise men– foreigners and pagans – they left everything that matters to them and followed the star to the place of Christ’s birth adore worship, 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.
The Magi’s gold, frankincense and myrrh are the totality of nations and humanity recognizing in Christ Jesus the culmination of history and salvation. Mt.2:1-12. The big lesson today is that in Christ Jesus there is only inclusivity with no exclusivity.
Matthew 2: 1-12 is the fulfilment of the prophecy of Isaiah, people of nations represented by the Wise Magi came not only to acknowledge the Godhead of Christ but also to pledge allegiance to his Kingship and Lordship over all as well as pay him tributes of Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh.
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 of giving or sharing self, time, energy and resource do I think God merits the best of me?
The feast of Epiphany invites to worship God with sincere intentions. Let us pray always and everywhere to God who continues to reveal himself to all humanity in different ways and times. Our hopes and expectation are the continuous revelation and manifestation of your glory in us, enlighten the hidden darkness of our lives and hearts. And may we learn to open our eyes to your light and open our hearts to your love.
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 me to see power as service in humidity, but, above all, to offer myself as a living gift of Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh to the Infant born King reveal to ALL today. Amen
