INTRODUCTION 

The Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord is one of the deeper feasts in the Christian liturgical calendar, being a feast revealing Jesus Christ to the Gentiles represented by the Magi. It underlines the universality of Christ’s mission and God’s salvation plan that is inclusively intended. These scripture readings for the occasion give such rich insights with contemporary lessons, so profound for the resonance that echoes in our life today.

HOMILY

In the first reading, the prophet Isaiah says, “The glory of the Lord has risen upon you.” This is a passage of a time when God’s light will shine upon Jerusalem and nations and kings are drawn to its brightness. The imagery of light overcoming darkness is potent and symbolic, speaking of hope, renewal, and divine presence.

In today’s world my dear brothers and sisters, we have been surrounded by darkness through despondency, injustice, and suffering. Isaiah here reminds us that God’s light is always present and transformative. We are called to be the carriers of light to our people so that they may receive hope and change. We need to reflect God’s glory into the lives of all people by living the values of compassion, justice, and love.

Through this letter to the Ephesians in our second reading, St. Paul discloses a mystery that was hidden from generations past: the Gentiles are fellow heirs, constituent members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. And this declaration again underscores inclusivity in God’s salvation, setting aside barriers as they had existed between Jew and Gentile.

This reading in our increasingly diverse and interconnected world calls us to a more inclusive sense of unity. We are reminded that each human person is to be recognized for his or her intrinsic dignity and value regardless of one’s origin, ethnicity, or status. This acceptance can lead us in our relationships and community life to an imitation of the embracing love of Christ.

The Gospel relates the journey of the Magi who came from the East to adore the newborn King, guided by a star and bearing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, which are symbolic of Jesus’ kingship, divinity, and eventual suffering.

The journey of the Magi my dear Christian Friends demonstrates the quest in our pursuit for the presence of God in our life. We could be assured in their determination of persistence and tell us to keep our passion burning in spiritual pursuit. May we also remind, by their gifts given, give your best to God-talented, resources, time-all to give a homage to Christ to act in working with the betterment of our world.

Finally, people of God the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord invites us to reflect on the universal reach of God’s love and the transforming power of His light. May this feast inspire us to be beacons of hope, agents of inclusivity, and seekers of the divine. We can only leave a remarkable impact in our lives and in other people’s lives, truly in order with the spirit of the Epiphany, by living out these lessons.