The Epiphany of the Lord
According to Oxford Languages, Epiphany is defined as “The manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles as represented by the Magi.” This is significant for us as the vast majority of Christians are Gentiles. God made it quite clear early on that Jesus was not going to be only the King of the Jews. Rather the visit by the Magi, (Gentiles from the East) is a precursor to Jesus’ title as “King of the Universe”. Jesus is indeed the king of the Jews but his dominion doesn’t stop there. He is The King. And his visit by the Magi reveals that to us.
The Magi were great astronomers, giving their lives to the study of the heavens. So, when they saw a star that, according to their customs of interpretation, meant a great king was to be born – a king whose authority superseded that of even their own rulers, they didn’t hesitate to pay him homage. This is a sign of great hope for several reasons. One is that Jesus came not just as the Savior and King of the Jews as foretold by the prophets, but rather as the Savior and King of the Universe. His coming is indicated, not just by earthly signs but a Heavenly and Universal sign – a Star. When Jesus quieted the wind and the water during the storm on the Sea of Galilee His disciples were shocked and asked, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the seas obey Him?” (Matt 8:27) Would they have been even more astonished to know that not just the winds and the sea but the very stars in the sky are subject to His authority?
This Epiphany of the Lord to the Magi of the East, and to the Gentiles of the whole world is a confirmation that we serve a King of great power and Majesty, a King of Righteousness and Truth, who has come not to condemn, but to redeem. Our response should be the response of the Magi – to come and do Him homage. Fortunately, we do not have to search the heavens or follow a star to find our Lord. His name is Emmanuel, meaning “God is with us”. He has come down to earth and dwells with us even in our sin and brokenness. We can call out to Him at all times and know that no matter where we are, He will hear us and come to save us. As Catholics we also know that He is present, not just in a spiritual sense, but in a real, physical sense in the tabernacles of our Churches. And we receive Him into ourselves every time we receive Communion.
So, take hope that the King we serve, Christ Jesus, is a great and worthy King, who does not hesitate to reveal Himself to us in language that we can understand. He revealed Himself to the great astronomers of the East through a star, and He will also reveal Himself to us in a remarkably personal way if we open our hearts to encounter Him.