Feast of the Epiphany reminds us to seek the Light on our journey
by Sister Mary Kabat
We continue to celebrate the Nativity of Our Lord. For Sunday's special feast of the Epiphany we celebrate the birth of Jesus, God with us, with the Magi, visitors from the East.
Some people set out their Christmas creche one figure at a time. Do you? Some start with the cow or a sheep. Next Advent, I suggest the first figure be one of the Magi. Why? The Magi began their study of the stars long before Jesus’ birth. Upon seeing the Christmas star, they knew this was the star they were searching for. They set out for the unknown and the hoped for.
I admit I am fascinated with the moon and stars and look for them each night. Seeing the moon in its phases or the stars in each season, I feel the closeness of God; feel God watching over me.
The word Epiphany means " a moment of sudden revelation or insight or a manifestation of a divine being." In the first reading from Isaiah 60:1-6, the prophet describes this as "the glory of the Lord shines upon you." The prophet describes sons and daughters, king and nations coming to adore God’s son. As St. Paul says in the Letter to the Ephesians 3:2-6, in Jesus we are all "members of the same body, co-partners in the promise of Christ Jesus."
May the Epiphany of the Lord be celebrated in our hearts each day and celebrated more and more fully by our brothers and sisters sharing this Earth home with us.
"We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage." (Mt. 2:2)
I, too, have always been awestruck by the moon and stars. Such beautiful beacons of silvery light to guide our way. Thank you, Sr. Mary, for reminding us to connect to and be grateful for this amazing universe we live in. May insight and sudden revelation abound in Jesus' presence.