Epiphany of the Lord

Today's Mass Readings

On this the feast of the Epiphany (manifestation of Jesus to the world), the first reading from Isaiah (60:1-6) uses the Old Testament theme of light and darkness. “Rise up in splendor, Jerusalem! Your light has come, and the glory of the Lord shines upon you. See, darkness covers the earth, and think clouds cover the peoples but upon you the Lord shines….” Whether Isaiah intended it or not, the theme of light and darkness takes us to the beginning of creation. “Darkness covered the abyss…” (Gen 1:2). Then God said, “Let there be light…” (Gen 1:3). It would not be inappropriate to consider the manifestation of Jesus to the world as a second creation story. A world lost in the darkness of sin and hopelessness saw God come with his light and make his dwelling. The world was recreated; human beings were bestowed a new dignity; those who chose to come into the light found a new hope. The wise men understood the significance of the moment. So they prostrated themselves and did him homage.

The wisdom of God is such that we can experience many epiphanies or mainfestations. Every sacrament is a manifestation of Christ. Thus, for example, in marriage it is the Love of Christ that is made manifest. In the sacrament of reconciliation, the compassion and mercy of Christ is made manifest. But the most intense of all epiphanies is the Eucharist.

The Eucharist almost recreates the scene of the first epiphany. Just as the child Jesus lay in the manger now Jesus lays on the altar. Just as the wise men came and did homage with gifts, so do we come to do homage. However, unlike the first wise men, we leave not empty handed but with the real presence of Christ in our hearts. This presence becomes our true light.

Let our participation in the Eucharist today be our Epiphany experience. Let us too do homage and let us too offer ourselves at the altar of epihpany. Let us too follow THE LIGHT - JESUS.

- Fr. Satish Joseph