Word of the Week

Epiphany of the Lord

Epiphany: Epaphaneia (GK.): means “manifestation, striking appearance”
“The feast of the Epiphany celebrates the manifestation to the world of the newborn Christ as Messiah, Son of God, and Savior of the world…The Epiphany also celebrates the adoration of Jesus by the wise men (magi) from the East, together with his baptism in the Jordan and the wedding feast of Cana in Galilee” (CCC 528).

The early church recognized the shining forth and revelation of the Messiah as king in the aforementioned three stages celebrated throughout the world on the liturgical calendar. The gospels record all three stages of revelation: (1) the adoration of Jesus by the wise men (magi) from the East (Mt.2:2,7-12); (2) Jesus’ baptism at the Jordan where he is revealed in glory with the Father and the Holy Spirit (Mt.3:13-17; Mk.1:9-11; Lk.3:21-22; Jn.1:31-34); and (3) The Wedding Feast of Cana where Christ manifested his glory in his first public miracle of changing water into wine (Jn.2:1-12) (CCC 528).

The Epiphany is a time to reflect into the mystery of the crib as it relates to the mystery of the Cross. Consider how each is uniquely connected to the triumph of Calvary. First, the Magi (from gentile nations) bear witness to Mary cradling her Son with swaddling clothes. Years later, Rome (a gentile nation) would watch this same mother embrace her Son who allowed himself to be shrouded in swathing bands. Second, Christ is baptized in the waters of Jordan. Years later, water and blood would flow from the side of Christ instituting the sacramental church and a new birth. Third, in the wedding feast of Cana, John chose to begin the Gospel by this first sign of changing water into wine at the occasion of a banquet. Years later, Christ would conclude his ministry of preaching by changing wine into blood at the occasion of the banquet of the Last Supper.

This season of the manifestation of God’s great works through Jesus continues a time where we are called to examine the meaning of the Incarnation and our Christian duty to be co-workers with God in his mission of mercy and humility. Indeed, we become instruments of mercy by participating in the humility of Christ and by asking the Holy Spirit to forge this spirit of simplicity within our hearts. My dear friends, the new civil (secular) year is upon us and it is a time in which we need to let our New Year resolutions be resolute in the spirit of the liturgical (sacred) year. In this case, the spirit of detachment and poverty of heart. May your resolutions loosen just not your belt buckle, but also the chains that enslave you from doing God’s work. Happy civil New Year!

“The Epiphany is the annual feast of mystery whereby we reflect into the purpose of the newborn Christ.”

-Pope Benedict XVI

Primary Texts Consulted

•Catholic Bible. Suggested trans. Revised Standard Version, Catholic Edition.
•Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2nd Edition, 1997.

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