January 4, 2026
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This week we celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord! The term epiphany originally comes from the Greek word epiphaneia meaning appearance or manifestation. The Feast of the Epiphany is an ancient feast day in the Church that began in the second century following the birth of Christ.
It commemorates the visit of the Magi and celebrates the manifestation of Jesus' divinity to the world. In the Eastern Church, the Feast of the Epiphany focuses on the celebration of the Baptism of Christ. The Feast of the Epiphany marks the revelation of Jesus as the Savior of all people and officially ends the Christmas season.
The prophet Isaiah foretells the visit of the Magi in the First Reading this week as he mentions, “Rise up in splendor, Jerusalem! Your light has come, the glory of the Lord shines upon you…for the riches of the sea shall be emptied out before you, the wealth of nations shall be brought to you. Caravans of camels shall fill you, dromedaries from Midian and Ephah; all from Sheba shall come bearing gold and frankincense, and proclaiming the praises of the LORD.” (Isaiah 60:1,5-6) Similarly, we hear in the Psalm, “Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.” (Psalm 72) St. Paul in his letter to the Ephesians continues this theme, “...the Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and copartners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.” (Ephesians 3:6) Our Gospel this week comes from the Gospel of Matthew and describes the visit of the Magi by saying, “They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” (Matthew 2:10-11) What a beautiful Gospel! As in other readings we have heard from the prophet Isaiah, the prophecy given by him is fulfilled in the Gospel passage and the light to the nations, the Lord Jesus Christ, is revealed to the world. The Gospel of Matthew is the only Gospel that includes the account of the visit of the Magi. This is an important detail because it emphasizes a major theme within Matthew’s Gospel, that even the Gentile rulers who were wise, educated men acknowledged Jesus as King. The inclusion of the Epiphany in the Gospel of Matthew directly connects with the Great Commission found at the end of Matthew’s Gospel, to go out and proclaim the Good News to all nations. Like the disciples and like that star that guided the wise men to Jesus, we too are commissioned to go out and proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ to all peoples.
In our reflection on the Feast of the Epiphany, the revelation of the child Jesus to the world and the visit of the Magi, what is it that draws us into the Gospel story and how is God revealing to us how He truly is the Light for all nations? Are we drawn into adoring the child Jesus like the Magi or, like Mary and Joseph, are we astonished at the visit of these foreigners to see the Christ child? Maybe we are simply astonished that God in all His greatness and glory revealed Himself to the world in such a meek and vulnerable way. Wherever we may be drawn in our prayer and reflection on this feast day, may we not forget that Christ has come into the world, and He continues to reveal Himself to many people today. Through the intercession of Mary and Joseph and all the Angels and Saints, may we allow Jesus and His saving truth to illuminate our minds and hearts so that we can be like that star in the Gospel and lead others closer to Jesus.