Today we celebrate the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord.
This celebration calls to mind a great light which has come to dispel darkness from our midst thus proclaiming a great hope throughout the whole world. This great light is Christ who is God made Flesh who has made His dwelling among us in the second Person of the Most Holy Trinity. It would be problematic for us to stress His humanity at the loss of His divinity for He is fully God and fully human.
This word “Epiphany” comes from the Greek meaning revelation from above. In the ancient Church this celebration of the Epiphany included calling to mind the visit of the magi, the baptism of the Lord in the Jordan, and the wedding feast of Cana where water was turned into wine. Through all of these events in the life of the Lord revelation of Christ’s divinity was being made to the world thus bringing forth this great light to the nations.
Now we place our focus upon those magi who traveled by the light of a star to come and give homage to the Lord. They brought with them gifts of frankincense, gold, and myrrh. It is Saint Irenaeus who states that gold is a symbol of His royalty, frankincense to show His Divinity, and myrrh which represents His humanity which includes His passion and death. These magi allowed the Lord to bring His light into their life in order that they may be forever transformed.
We too must desire to behold this light of the Lord. If Christ were only human and not divine nothing would be special about today, Christmas, and Easter. It is because of the Incarnation that we are given every reason to celebrate for now a light has been brought to the nations which were in need of such light. We like those who have gone before us need to continue to draw close to this light in order that our life and world may come to be illumined in His midst.
In 1 John we are told, “he walks in darkness and does not know where he is going because the darkness has blinded his eyes.” There are many who have allowed such darkness to blind them. Instead we must realize that “the true light is already shining.” This light is Christ who brings purpose and liberation to our life. Let us come to adore Him like the magi and let our life be transformed like the lives of the magi.
Where do we remain in the darkness? How must be allow Christ to enter in so that His light may illumine us? There is no reason for despair because Christ brings forth the virtue of hope which causes us realize that such a reality may be made so within us. Let us dare to be illumined by the Lord in order that we may come to be transformed in His midst.
