Feast of The Epiphany

My Dear parishioners,
 
Today we celebrate the Feast of The Epiphany of the Lord “Epiphany” means manifestation.  And the “Epiphany of the Lord” is Jesus’ manifestation not only to these three Magi from the East, but it’s also a symbolic but real manifestation of the Christ to the whole world.  These Magi, traveling from a foreign and non-Jewish nation, reveal that Jesus came for all people and all are called to adore Him.
 
The arrival of the magi to pay homage to the king of the Jews is a significant event. It signified that Gentiles as well as Jews could welcome the good news of Salvation that was made manifest in the Incarnation and birth of Jesus. We learn from the magi that if we choose to seek Christ in all sincerity, we too will find Him – not through our own efforts, but through our willingness to follow the light of His life and teaching. Following their example, we are inspired to worship Him. Like them, we do not want to come empty-handed, but want to bring gifts to our Lord that will show Him how much we love and honor Him.
 
Tradition has drawn different associations with the gifts that the wise men brought to Jesus.  In truth, we have nothing to give Jesus that is not already His; everything that we have and are is a gift from God. We have nothing to offer Him other than ourselves; we have nothing to bring Him other than our love and worship. Yet these are the gifts that He desires the most, the gifts that are truly fit for the King who gives Himself completely to us so that we can be united with Him forever in eternity. Come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!
 
Reflect, today, upon these Magi and see them as a symbol of what you are called to do.  You are called from the foreign place of this world to seek out the Messiah.  What is God using to call you to Himself?  When you discover Him, do not hesitate to acknowledge the full truth of who He is, lying prostrate before Him in complete and humble submission.
 
God Bless,
Fr. Pawel