Epiphany of the Lord

The feast of Epiphany is the celebration of the manifestation of Jesus as the Messiah of Israel, Son of God and Savior of the world. The name Epiphany is derived from the Greek word ‘Epiphanos’ meaning ‘manifestation’ or showing forth i.e. the showing forth of Jesus as the much awaited Messiah. The Church celebrates three events in the life of Jesus when the Incarnation was revealed or made known namely; the adoration of Jesus by the three wise men or magi (Matthew2:1-12) who travel far and wide following a star that indicated the birth of the King of Jews, the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan where God, the Father reveals “This is my Son, the Beloved” (Matthew 3:17) and the wedding feast at Cana in Galilee when Jesus performs His first miracle and reveals His Divinity (John 2:1-11). Whilst the Western Church commemorates the coming of the three wise men, the Eastern Church commemorates the Baptism of the Lord on the feast of Epiphany.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church in para 528 teaches “In the magi, representatives of the neighbouring pagan religions, the Gospel sees the first fruits of the nations, who welcome the good news of salvation through the Incarnation. The magi’s coming to Jerusalem in order to pay homage to the king of the Jews shows that they seek in Israel, in the messianic light of the star of David, the one who will be king of the nations. Their coming means that pagans can discover Jesus and worship him as Son of God and Savior of the world only by turning towards the Jews and receiving from them the messianic promise contained in the Old Testament.”

The coming of the magi or three wise men is a fulfilment of many prophesies in the Old Testament. They were probably learned astrologers who followed a star that predicted the birth of the King of Jews. This was prophesied by Balaam “...a star shall come out of Jacob” Numbers 24:17. The prophet Isaiah too prophesied about nations coming to the light of Christ the Messiah “Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of dawn...They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall proclaim the praise of the LORD.” Isaiah 60:1-6. The magi represent the Gentiles or pagans who are also part of God’s plan of salvation for all people. They were among the first to recognise the Savior Christ through the signs and prophesies. Their coming in search of the Savior King affirms that Jesus came to bring salvation to people of all nations, not just the Jews. This mystery is part of God’s plan for mankind which St. Paul re-affirms when he says “...that is, the Gentiles have become fellow heirs, members of the same body, and sharers in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.” Ephesians 3:6 .

In the Gospel of St. Matthew 2:11 we read “On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.” The gifts they offered symbolise their acknowledgement and reverence to the three important roles in the life of Jesus – the gold offered as a gift to the King, the frankincense symbolising his priestly role and myrrh a prefiguring of his death and embalming.

The other two events, namely the Baptism of the Lord and the miracle at the wedding in Cana are also commemorated on this feast as they too reveal His Divinity and affirm that Jesus indeed is the much awaited Messiah.