The Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord

Year A

Readings: Isaiah 60:1-6; Ephesians 3:2-3a.5-6; Matthew 2:1-12

We saw his star as it rose and have come to do him homage

The solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord, we celebrate today, is an important occasion in the Christmas Season. Through the visitation of the magi, God manifests Godself to the wider world.

Though we, really, do not know the historical accuracy of the visitation of the magi, the meaning behind the story is very significant. God chooses to reveal the joy of the birth of God’s son to the whole world, through the visitation of these humble people, who travelled far distances, reading the signs of the celestial objects: “We saw his star as it rose and have come to do him homage.”

The visitation of the magi is filled with meaning and signs. First of all they have read the signs of the rising of the star and have realised there is something different or significant event has occurred. Secondly, they undertook a long and perilous journey to an unknown place. Thirdly, they expected to see the event in a palace, though God had chosen the poverty, rather than riches, to reveal Godself. Fourthly, they reached the place where the Christ child was born and paid him homage by presenting very symbolic gifts. And finally they responded to God’s warning and went away in a different route, thus saving the life of the newborn Christ child.

When we see these signs in this story, we realise how God works wondrously through human weakness: God shows the sings, and we are invited to take the initiative. God provides the means and supports us all through the journey. Though we wander away from God’s plan, God redirects us and leads us to the end of the journey. That is why in the second reading, St Paul, writing to the Ephesians, says, “This mystery that has now been revealed through the Spirit to his holy apostles and prophets was unknown to any men in past generations” (Eph 3:5). So God chose to reveal Godself: and this revelation is not just for a few chosen ones, but to the whole world, “it means that pagans now share the same inheritance, that they are parts of the same body” (Eph 3:6).

Therefore dear friends, this solemnity, that we celebrate today, is an opportunity for us to reach out to everyone as God has reached out to us. God chooses the human weakness to reveal Godself. God sends his only Son, to be with us, as we hear in the prologue of John’s Gospel, “the Word became flesh, he lived among us.” As we continue to bask in the ‘Christmas Spirit’, let us share this joy with everyone. The Christmas season, for this year, is coming to an end tomorrow, but may the joy of Christmas continue to shine in us. As the magi saw the celestial signs and took the initiative to make the journey to visit the Christ child, let us too perceive the signs of the times and respond to God’s call. Let us take the initiative to reach out to all and pray that all receive God’s mercy. And may this New Year be a time to enjoy the grace of God in all that we do for the spreading of the Reign of God in everyone’s life.

Amen.