Epiphany of the Lord - Called to Proclaim with Credibility

The Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord: January 04, 2025

Readings: Isaiah 60:1–6; Psalm 72:1–2, 7–8, 10–13; Ephesians 3:2–3, 5–6; Matthew 2:1–12

The Nativity of Christ by Rohden Franz von Geburt

As we start the new year 2026, we are very much in the Season of Christmas. The joy of this season still permeates around us. We are also joyful as we say goodbye to the year 2025 and welcome the year 2026. We are hopeful that this new year brings us glad tidings and beautiful things in our lives. With such hope and earnestness, we begin our journey of life this year. Liturgically, we are celebrating today the feast of the Epiphany, which is also called the manifestation of the Lord to others. It is celebrated as the visit of the three Kings or Magi to the baby Jesus. The liturgical readings of today invite us look at the simplicity and trust of these three kings or representatives of the wider world and embrace the Son of God wholeheartedly. 

1. Always, there is a deeper yearning for God

The Feast of the Epiphany invites us to contemplate a God who reveals Himself gently and lovingly to all who search for truth. In the story of the Magi, we see a God who does not impose Himself through power or force, but who attracts the human heart through a star, a journey, and a humble child lying in a manger. The Magi remind us that faith is born from a deep longing and yearning — a longing to discover meaning, to seek light, and to encounter God. They did not reach Bethlehem by accident; they allowed the restlessness of their hearts to lead them forward. They looked beyond themselves, beyond comfort and certainty, and trusted the signs God placed before them.

Epiphany teaches us that God often reveals Himself in ordinary people, simple situations, fragile moments, and unexpected places. He comes to us in daily life, in relationships, in responsibilities, and even in struggles, perhaps even while drinking a cup of coffee. To recognize Him, we must allow our hearts to be purified of pride, fear, and self-centeredness. In God, there are no procedures and processes. Like the Magi, we are called not to stand at a distance but to draw near, to kneel, and to surrender.

2. The quest for God makes us work 

The Gospel of Matthew 2:1–12 contrasts the openness of the Magi with the closed hearts of Herod and the chief priests. Herod is threatened by the presence of a child, because true kingship unsettles false power. The priests know the Scriptures, yet their knowledge does not move them to take even a single step toward Bethlehem. The Magi know very little, yet they are willing to walk, search, question, and persevere. Epiphany reminds us that faith is not merely a matter of information but of transformation — not only of knowing about God, but of allowing ourselves to be led by Him.

The gifts of the Magi symbolize that we must always give the best from our part. The gold represents our gifts, talents, responsibilities, and achievements. Frankincense symbolizes our prayer, our worship, and our desire to live in God’s presence. Myrrh represents our wounds, sufferings, failures, and limitations. God does not ask only for what is strong and successful in us; He also receives what is fragile, painful, and incomplete. When we offer our whole life to Him, His light transforms even our weaknesses into grace.

3. The journey towards God demands simplicity and silence

The journey of the Magi mirrors our own journey of faith. It is not always straight or easy. The path to God is not always clear or short. There are moments of confusion, times when the star seems to disappear, and situations that discourage us. Yet God continues to guide us patiently. The star reappears when the heart remains open. And when the Magi finally arrive, they do not find a palace, nor a king clothed in splendour, but a poor dwelling and a child held tenderly by His mother. It is there, in simplicity and silence, that they recognize the hidden glory of God. They bow down and worship — not because of what they see, but because of what they believe. 

We may not find God when we shout at the top of our voices, "Alleluia" or "Praise the Lord." God comes to us in our tenderness and gentleness. God shows us the way to Him with little complication or confusion. There is always clarity. That's why, from our part, we must discern. In fact, we must discern rightly. An authentic encounter with Christ always changes our direction. We cannot meet Him and remain the same. When His light enters our hearts, it invites us to choose new attitudes, new priorities, and a new way of living — a way guided by truth, compassion, and hope. We can practice this in the New Year 2026.

Questions for self-reflection

1. Like the Magi, am I willing to step out of my comfort zone and seek God with openness and perseverance?
2. Can I recognize God’s presence in simple, ordinary, and humble situations of daily life?
3. Are pride, fear, or the need for control preventing me from truly surrendering myself to God?
4. Am I willing to set out on a journey of faith like the Magi — even when the road is uncertain, and the outcome is not fully clear?

Prayer

Lord Jesus, Light of the world, we come before You with grateful hearts. Just as You guided the Magi by the light of a star, guide our hearts toward You and give us the courage to seek You beyond our fears, our comforts, and our uncertainties. Help us to recognize Your presence in simple and humble situations of daily life, and grant us the faith to kneel before You in trust and surrender. Receive the gifts of our lives — our strengths and hopes, as well as our wounds and struggles — and transform them by Your grace. May our encounter with You lead us to walk a new path, so that we may reflect Your light in our families, our communities, and in the world. We make this prayer in Jesus' Holy Name, Amen.

- Fr Olvin Veigas, SJ

E-mail: olvinveigas@jesuits.net

Blog: Celebrate Faith

Video: YouTube

01 January 2025