Readings:

*        Isaiah 60:1-6

*        Psalm 72:1-2, 7-13

*        Ephesians 3:2-6

*        Matthew 2:1-2

 

Overview: Epiphany is a major feast-day. It commemorates the “manifestation” of Christ to the Gentiles (non-Jews). The dominant image is light, represented in this week’s gospel by the star that guided the magi.  All of the gospel readings between now and Lent focus in one way or another on how Jesus revealed his divinity to the world, beginning with the magi from the east. In this week’s first reading Isaiah foretells of that day when Jerusalem will shine with God’s glory, drawing all nations to her and through her, to God. In its original context it hailed the return of the exiles from their long captivity in Babylon. The restoration of Israel would be a glorious manifestation of God’s power and goodness to the rest of the world. In our second reading, St. Paul explains how the promises of the Old Testament were fulfilled in Christ through whom the Gentiles have become “coheirs, members of the same body.” The inclusion of the Gentiles in the Church fulfilled the words of Isaiah that all nations would be brought together into one, universal (i.e. “catholic”) family which shines with the radiance of God’s glory as the New Jerusalem. The star that guided the magi to Bethlehem can be compared to the Church which exists for no other reason than to lead people to Christ. She does this through the words and deeds of the faithful – you and me – but also through her liturgy, which is the primary place where the glory of God shines forth.

 

Key verse: “Rise up in splendor, Jerusalem!  Your light has come, the glory of the Lord shines upon you.” (Is. 60:1)

“Catechism of the Catholic Church:” “’Christ is the light of humanity; and it is, accordingly, the heart-felt desire of this sacred Council [Vatican II] being gathered together in the Holy Spirit, that, by proclaiming his Gospel to every creature, it may bring to all men that light of Christ which shines out visibly from the Church.’ The Church has no other light than Christ's; according to a favorite image of the Church Fathers, the Church is like the moon, all its light reflected from the sun.” [no. 748]

 

Pope Benedict XVI: “The whole of the Second Vatican Council was truly stirred by the longing to proclaim Christ, the Light of the world, to contemporary humanity. In the heart of the Church, from the summit of her hierarchy, emerged the impelling desire, awakened by the Spirit, for a new epiphany of Christ in the world.”  The Church, reflected in Mary, is called to show to mankind Jesus, nothing but Jesus. Indeed, he is the All and the Church exists solely to remain united to him and to make him known to the world.”[Homily, 01/06/07]

 

Life application: In its primary meaning Epiphany celebrates the manifestation of Christ to the non-Jewish (Gentile) world. For us today that also includes the manifestation of Christ to all those who don’t believe in God. According to a Gallup survey 44 percent of Americans say they seldom or never attend church.  But here’s the really interesting thing: According to a recent Harris poll 21 percent of Roman Catholics say they don’t believe in God! Christ calls us to let our light shine so that the world may come to believe in and glorify God (Matthew 5:16). As a new year begins, you might ask yourself, ‘what can I do to manifest the light of Christ to those around me? How might I, like the star of Bethlehem, lead others to Christ?’