In the dictionary, the definition of the word “epiphany” is (1) the manifestation of a divine or supernatural being or (2) a moment of sudden revelation or insight. Both of these definitions would apply to our celebration of the feast of the epiphany today. It is also known as the feast of the Magi or the feast of the three kings. However, it may be interesting to note that the Scripture passage from the second chapter of Matthew’s Gospel does not state that there were three Magi; this number has been passed down through tradition, assuming that the number of Magi equaled the number of gifts that they brought Jesus. The feast of the epiphany is traditionally celebrated on January 6, twelve days after Christmas Day. However, in the United States, after the reforms of the Second Vatican Council in 1970, epiphany is always celebrated in our country on the Sunday after January 1, so that more of the faithful would be at Mass for that celebration.
This year, we have been commemorating the Jubilee year of Hope, inaugurated by Pope Francis on December 24, 2024. The Jubilee year ends on the feast of the epiphany. This Jubilee year has been a special time of spiritual renewal, forgiveness, and pilgrimage. Many of us have gone on different pilgrimages this past year to celebrate the Jubilee Year of Hope. Ultimately, the story of the three Magi is the story of pilgrims on a journey. There is an element of mystery to the Magi, as it is only told in Matthew’s Gospel and we really do not much about them, other than that they were searching Jesus. Their search and their quest for Jesus is what the story of Magi is all about. And they asked a very important question: “Where is the newborn king of the Jews?” It is a question that seekers and searchers still ask today. Where is Christ? In the midst of our struggles and our despair, where is Christ our hope?
The Magi discovered that Christ perhaps is not found where we expect him to be. The Magi went first to Herod, thinking that the newborn king would be with those in power and authority, or at least they would know where to find him. Often, we find Christ when we reach out to those in need, in the poor, in the outcasts, and those on the margins. Often we will find Christ exactly where the Magi found him - in the place where the light dispels the darkness.
Today, we commemorate the precious gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh that the Magi gave to the Christ child. We receive the greatest gift of all in Jesus himself. He is a gift to us by his very presence in our lives.
The Magi left their gifts with Jesus, but they did not leave empty-handed. Their encounter with Christ is something they carried in their hearts their entire lives. We too are to carry the gift of Jesus that we receive in our hearts and in our faith throughout the year.
On the week of Christmas, I had mass with the inmates on Christmas Day, as well as that Friday and Saturday. We had a lunch of chicken and desserts that I had gotten from the Gleaners food bank, as well as sweet potatoes and greens from our garden that we made in the crock pot. They loved the soda pop that I brought too - that is a special treat that they rarely get. On Friday and Saturday, with our inmate ministers, we visited the infirmary at the prison, praying with the men and giving them donuts and Nabs crackers and Little Debbie treats. Many of those men are terminally ill and will die there in the beds of the infirmary. I am glad that we could bring some momentary joy to them. Sometimes it is not just the gift we bring, but our prayer, our love, and our presence. We all have busy lives. We all have work and family commitments and other obligations. But do we make time to pass on the gifts we receive from Christ to others?
I will leave you with a quote about the feast of the epiphany by St Peter Chryologus, Bishop of Ravenna, Italy from the fifth century and a Doctor of the Church:
Today the Magi gaze in deep wonder at what they see: heaven on earth, earth in heaven, man in God, God in man, one whom the whole universe cannot contain now enclosed in the tiny body (of a baby). As they look, they believe and do not question, as their symbolic gifts bear witness: incense for God, gold for a king, myrrh for one who is to die.
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