Epiphany of the Lord

This weekend the Church celebrates a feast known as the Epiphany of the Lord. The word “epiphany” means to make manifest or to show forth. While there are many instances in the life of Christ that we can call moments of epiphany, the feast itself celebrates when the Magi from the East came and visited Jesus.

The traditional number of magi is three, though there is really nothing in the biblical text that points to there being three people. It does mention the three gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, which is where the tradition of three men probably came from. Additionally, while they were all probably men from Persia, the tradition of them all being from different parts of the world at the time (often Africa, Arabia, and Europe) was a nod to this story pointing out Jesus’ mission beyond just the Jewish people. So, even Gentile people far from the land of Jesus’ birth were called by God to seek him out through miraculous signs and able to recognize him as a king.

As we prepare to celebrate the Epiphany of the Lord this year, let us pray that the Church may be ever more aware of its role of evangelizing the world! Jesus came to save all people, not just those who look or think like we do. His birth was announced to Magi, likely wealthy and well-educated, and to shepherds, who were probably poor and burdened with much worry. It is now our job to be like the angels and go forth to all people, rich and poor, citizen or immigrant, educated or not, and tell them the Good News of Jesus through our words and our loving actions.