The mystery of the Epiphany call us to be light to the world
by Sister Jane Riha
On Sunday, we will celebrate a feast that is as significant as Christmas. With the Feast of the Epiphany, we enter mystery and intrigue as we hear the Gospel story of the Magi. The focus and depth of the story is about light penetrating darkness. Epiphany means “manifestation” that is Jesus is manifested as the King of Kings in this Gospel.
Who were these men who followed a star and astrology to the city of Bethlehem? The Maji were definitely astute, wise men. They came from the East which could have been Persia or Babylon or Arabia. Later, the idea that the Maji were kings entered the Christian tradition. We more often speak of three kings because of the three gifts brought to the Child Jesus.
This Gospel brings other races, other cultures, other customs into the Christmas story. The Magi are not the local people of Bethlehem, Judea. They come from afar. According to the Gospel, they are guided by the light of the stars. The world at that time experienced the darkness of oppression and poverty not unlike the world we live in today.
What does this feast signify for us in our current world? What does this feast mean to you personally? The most important part of listening to and reading the Scriptures is to apply them to our daily lives. We each have the potential to bring light into our corner of the world. By doing so, we also manifest the light of Christ seeking to touch the hearts of others with God’s love.
Great message. There are struggles in many places today but focusing on the right “light” brings tremendous guidance.