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The Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord (Year A)

Originally in the East, Christmas was celebrated on January 6, and in the West, it was celebrated on December 25. With time, the Church decided to keep both dates and to focus upon different themes on these two days. On Dec. 25, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord. On January 6, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord.

Epiphany comes from the Greek epiphaneia, which literally means “manifestation”. The first part of the word – epi – means “forth” and the second part of the word – phaneia – means “to show”. Taken together, the word means “to show forth” or “to manifest.”

We can see why the Church has chosen this word as a title for today’s solemnity when we look at the first reading taken from the Prophet Isaiah: “Your light has come … upon you the Lord shines and over you appears his glory. Nations shall walk by your light, and kings by your shining radiance … Your sons come from afar … the wealth of nations shall be brought to you … All from Sheba shall come bearing gold and frankincense, and proclaiming the praises of the Lord.” (Isaiah 60:1-6).

When the glory of God is made manifest in the Christ child, in Jesus born of Mary, Old Testament prophecy is fulfilled; salvation is made manifest not only for Israel, but also for all of the other Gentile nations represented by the visiting Magi. Salvation is not exclusively reserved for Israel: God’s chosen people. This is the theme of the second reading (Eph. 3:2-6).

There is an old Rabbinical saying: “If anyone learns anything from the magi, let him be accursed.” Why is that? Well, the magi were foreign magicians who dabbled in the black arts, using gold, frankincense, and myrrh in their magical incantations. These were men who knew the stars through astrology. In the Biblical narrative, we’re witnessing far more than foreign kings bearing gifts for the King of kings. We see men laying down their idolatrous ways at the feet of the one true God! Here, we see the first Christian evangelization at work. Jesus evangelizes even from his crib!

The psalm response we sing comes from Psalm 72:11 – “Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.” At Mass, this prophetic psalm finds its ultimate fulfillment as you and I, from every nation, are invited to adore the Lord in the Most Holy Eucharist, the bread of life.

It is no coincidence that the town in which Jesus was born (Bethlehem) means “House of Bread.” The true bread come down from heaven is born in Bethlehem and laid in a manger, which served as a feeding trough for the oxen. In the Eucharist, Jesus manifests himself ever anew, calling forth our response of total faith.