The Feast of Epiphany : C: January 2, 2022

 THE MANIFESTATION OF THE LORD JESUS

First Reading: Isaiah 60: 1-5

Second Reading: Ephesians 3: 2-3 and 5-6

Gospel Reading: Matthew 2: 1-12

   *First reading is from the book of Prophet Isaiah. Isaiah gives us a vision of the restored city of Jerusalem. He assures us that in spite of darkness and gloom the Lord God will come in splendor and glory and as a light that shines brightly on the people. There will be great rejoicing and abundance of wealth in the land. 

   *Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Ephesians. Paul explains to us the universality of salvation. God is inviting everyone - both Jews and Gentiles(non-Jews) alike - to share on an equal footing the salvation won by Christ. He further clarifies that all are members of the same body and co-partners in the promise of Christ Jesus.

The Wise Men from the east visit child Jesus                                                                Epiphany comes from the Greek word "epiphainein" which means to reveal or to manifest. This signifies the manifestation of Christ to all nations as represented by the three wise men (Magi) from the east. These men came searching for Christ. They found Him at Bethlehem, worshipped Him and offered Him precious gifts. From that day millions of people from all walks of life have followed them and came to meet Christ the Lord. Today's Gospel reading is from St. Matthew. A graphic description of how the wise men came to Bethlehem is given. Guided by a star they reached Jerusalem and went and met King Herod. They wanted  some guidance from Herod regarding the whereabouts of the divine Child. Herod called his advisers and took their opinion. They referred to the prophecies of old and came to the conclusion that the new King is born in Bethlehem. The wise men left Herod's palace and went in search of Child Jesus. They found Him in Bethlehem as told. They met child Jesus with Mother Mary and paid their respect and offered Him gifts: gold, frankincense and myrrh. The Gospel story  gives us three important messages. 1. It speaks about the journey of three wise men from the east to Jerusalem a far away and unknown place,  in search of Christ Child. Their  journey is a symbol of the search for truth by genuine seekers of God. 2. The meeting of the wise men with Herod tells us that some people in authority and power symbolized by Herod try to suppress and destroy truth and God's message and messengers. 3. The three wise men paid homage to Christ Child and received blessings. It is a touching story of all moments of grace. There is joy of recognition of God and His presence and total surrender to God which is symbolized by their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.