January 8, 2023, 12:00 PM
“Epiphany” is from a Greek word that means “manifestation”, a showing or revelation. Today’s Feast of the Epiphany is actually one of four epiphanies - four times Scripture manifests something very special about Jesus.
First, the Nativity. The angels revealed the birth of Jesus to the shepherds, to Israel, the Chosen People. Second, the Feast of the Epiphany. Before the liturgical calendar changed, we celebrated this Feast on January 6, the Twelfth Night. This reveals the Messiah to the Magi and shows that Jesus came for all Nations. The gifts of the Magi are epiphanies, too, revealing truths about Christ. The gold reveals He is King; the frankincense manifests His priesthood in the order of Melchizedek; and the myrrh, used to anoint bodies for burial, shows His Passion and Death. Many cultures exchange gifts on Epiphany in memory of the gifts of the Magi. Third, the Baptism of Jesus. Although Jesus had no need of Baptism, His consent anticipates His Baptism of Blood on the Cross and acceptance of His mission on earth. When Jesus accepts, His Father proclaims His delight. The trinity is revealed: we hear the Father’s voice; we see the Son, and the Holy Spirit arrives in the form of a dove. Fourth, the miracle at the wedding feast of Cana. Jesus performs His first public miracle and reveals His Divinity. By changing the water into wine Jesus responds to a very human need in a way that manifests His Divinity. Mary saying, “Do whatever He tells you.” (John 2:5) is great advice, which will take us a lifetime to carry out! These epiphanies remind us to share our gifts and the Good News of Jesus so we can be epiphanies to others. Now you know!
