The great Epiphany

Children here in the Philippines love the story of the so-called "Three Kings". Especially families have imbibed the Spanish custom of having three men dress as Kings, riding royally bedecked horses into a place where children with their parents await them. The "Three Kings" distribute gifts to them.

Christmas reaches its climax on the feast of the Epiphany meaning "manifestation" of the Infant God, Jesus, King of Kings. "Magi" as these three Kings are called by ensuing generations, are really wise men, astrologers who study the stars in the firmament. Our understanding of epiphany will gain in depth and dimension if we consider some of the ways and manners of the Orientals, especially of time past. When, for example, an Oriental ruler paid a state visit to one of his cities, he was greeted with great color and fanfare. He appeared in full regal pomp and splendor; his visit was a lavish occasion, marked by feasting and reveling and the granting of privileges – all at the ruler’s request and expense. Such visitations came to be known as a theophany or epiphany; i.e., "an appearance of god" – as if the divinity had come to earth. When the Son of God appeared among men, there was an epiphany in the truest sense of the word. A divine King, He "appeared" to His city, the Church, manifesting His glory. The inhabitants of the city (the Church) give Him triumphant welcome, while He prepares for them a Eucharistic Banquet. This now is the greatest visitation of the king of heaven and earth.

Epiphany places considerable stress on yet another theme, that of light. This is why so much space is devoted to the star of the Magi, in a splendid passage from Isaiah beginning with "Arise, be enlightened, O Jerusalem!" With the Magi as inspiration, Epiphany brings us on our knees in adoration of the Son of God. It is but a few days since the solemnity of the birth of Christ, and the world is already illumined by the feast of His manifestation. On this feast day the world acknowledges Him who was born of a Virgin on the former feast. The Word made flesh so ordained His manifestation that as a newborn Infant, He would be known to believers, but hidden from persecutors.

We enter our eternal heritage; and the truth which the Jews in the blindness of their hearts did not receive, cast its light on all nations. Let us fittingly honor this most sacred day on which he Author of four salvation appeared. This is a mystery embracing all mankind. Every nation and race is present by implication. We greet the divine King who now appears to His city (Church). For today the purpose of Advent find perfect fulfillment with the Lord’s arrival. "Behold, the Lord the Ruler is come (Advent). The Magi who are really astrologers know that for every birth there is a star which shines in the heavens. They, guided by the star of faith and grace, find the Infant God in Bethlehem. In our journey to Christ, let us likewise follow the star of faith and grace through the wilderness of this life.

At Holy Mass, we identify ourselves with the sacrifice of Christ. Our offering represents our person; in other words, we offer ourselves. Today, moreover, we should make a special offering, one that includes all our going and coming during the year; and we might bring gifts that match gold in precariousness, frankincense in prayer, and bitter myrrh in willing submission to the divine Infant. The deepest meaning of the Magi gifts is most clearly stated. Those gifts now yield to that which they foreshadowed; the Church’s sacrificial Offering is more precious than gold, frankincense and myrrh. It is Christ Himself. Our offering is Christ, mirrored in our hearts in the godlike purity in the love that attends our oblation; our offering is Christ, immolated like Frankincense; our offering is Christ, received at the sacrificial Banquet and penetrating our inmost soul like myrrh. In receiving the Eucharist, we have come with the Magi to the goal or our journey. The star that once shone on high shines new with our hearts and having found the Lord, we worship Him.

Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord, Matthew 2:1-12.

The Jesuit Vocation Promotions Team invites male college students and young professionals to a Vocation Seminar for those who are considering the priesthood or brotherhood in the religious life. It will be held on January 23, 2005, Sunday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Penthouse, Makati Citadel Inn, 5007 P. Burgos St., Makati City. For more details please contact the Jesuit Vocation Promotions Office, Loyola House of Studies at Tel. No. 426-6101 (local 3408) or e-mail at [email protected]. You can also visit the website of the Philippine Jesuits at www.jesuits.ph.