Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord

Isaiah 60:1-6, Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13, Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6, & Matthew 2:1-12

Today is the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord, popularly named the "Feast of the Three Kings." We call it the "epiphany" because Jesus revealed Himself not only to the Jews but also to the gentiles and pagans. Epiphany comes from the Greek term 'epiphanein,' which means manifestation. In other words, the Epiphany is first and foremost the Feast of God's revelation of Jesus Christ, who is the Word made flesh to the entire world and that the Magi represented the other multitudes of the known world.

The Gospel of Saint Matthew tells how God guided the three wise men to the Baby Jesus by following a special star. A "heavenly" star does not lead us in our world; instead, our stars, those who inspire us, are right here on planet earth. In finding the newborn king, they discover that they are found. In offering precious gifts, they receive the gift of Christ in their lives. In following the light of the star to Christ, they leave with the light of Christ. He even came for those like Herod and others in Jerusalem who would be troubled by his birth.

Today, we can easily identify with sports stars and movie stars. Many of us make heroes out of these "stars." So may go so far as to imitate their speech, dress, and ideologies. Better for us to follow the religious 'stars'—the saints. We take their names and try to follow their examples because they are the stars that guide us to Jesus and the kingdom of heaven.

Of course, some follow the course of the wrong star, which happens when we look down and not up toward heaven. Consider this example: On a clear night, we can see stars reflected in ponds of water. No matter how dirty the water is, we can detect the stars down there. Many reach down into muddy water for their stars only to find out that there were no real stars to be had. People who reach down and not up for their stars are people whose star in life is not God, but gods. So, look upwards and not downwards for your stars. Earthly stars come and go; heavenly stars last for eternity. We should reflect on the Magi's journey and how each of us have come to know Christ in our journeys. How will we continue to seek for the Lord, and how will we be open to being guided by the light of Christ in this New Year?

Question of the Day: Will you, like the Magi, follow the star that leads to Jesus?

Prayer: "We saws His star at its rising and have come to do Him homage."