The Solemnity of the Epiphany of our Lord
The Liturgy calls today’s feast as the Solemnity of the Epiphany of our Lord. Traditionally, this feast is commemorated every January 6. But, the Octave of Epiphany permits of no other observance. The word Epiphany means appearing or manifestation or a revelation of something that was hidden. Whenever we speak of the Epiphany, we always think of the three wise men or three kings, coming from far-off places, travelling the vast desert, following a star, and bearing gifts of gold-a gift fitting for a King, frankincense-for a God and myrrh-for the embalming of someone who was to suffer and die for the world. They were looking for the new born king of the Jews, whom afterwards, they found in a manger.
The major significance of the Magi’s visit reveals that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ came not only for the Jewish people, but for all. This is what St. Paul in his letter to the Ephesians was proclaiming, “It is no less than this: in Christ Jesus, the Gentiles are now coheirs with the Jews, members of the same body and sharers of the Promise through the preaching of the gospel.” To the Jews, the Gentiles can lay no claim to the Promise made to Abraham. They have no right for salvation. But on today’s feast, we are enlightened with the fact that salvation is for anyone who would respond to that call, to believe in Christ and worship Him by offering not just what we have, but ourselves to Him, our Savior. It is unfortunate to note that many still believes that outside their church, there is no salvation. The message is undeniably clear: Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world.
