Isaiah 60: 1-6; Psalm 72; Ephesians
3: 2-3a, 5-6; Matthew 2: 1-12

by Jude Siciliano, OP

Dear Preachers:

Epiphany means "manifestation." In ancient Egypt, this was the date of the winter solstice, a feast of light during the darkest time of the year. Early Christians transformed this celebration into a reflection on Jesus’ coming to dispel the darkness of ignorance and sin. While Eastern and Orthodox Christians commemorate Jesus' birth today, the feast of Epiphany reveals how and where Christ manifests himself to us. The scriptures and liturgy for Epiphany shine a light into the darkness we may experience, offering guidance and hope in times of uncertainty. The feast emphasizes that God’s light has entered the world and is meant for all people. It is a reminder of light amid darkness and hope in despair.

Isaiah: A Command to Radiate God’s Light
Today's reading from Isaiah comes from a series of songs (Isaiah 56–66) describing God's restoration of the people and the rebuilding of Jerusalem and its temple. The passage begins with the command: “Rise up in splendor, Jerusalem!” This phrase recalls my mother waking me for school on cold, dark winter mornings, saying, “Rise and shine!” Unlike my childhood struggles to get out of bed, Isaiah's words are empowering. When God summons Jerusalem, God’s Word enables action. Jerusalem is not left to restore itself alone – God’s glory is coming as a shining light to lift up the community.

The world is shrouded in darkness, but Jerusalem will radiate with God’s light. Nations (“the Gentiles”) will be drawn to this light. Isaiah envisions a time when people will see God’s splendor and shine with that radiance. “Then you shall be radiant at what you see.” Do you know people who shine because of their faith? They remain calm and trusting amid adversity: the wise teachers in parish religion classes, musicians in the choir, diligent people of prayer, visitors to the sick, volunteers in parish ministries, and those who offer free services to those in need. These individuals consistently do good works, inspired by a vision of God’s light and love.

Matthew: The Light of the Magi
The gospel begins by acknowledging the darkness: Jesus was born in a time of oppression under King Herod. Yet the darkness is pierced by light as the Magi arrive in Jerusalem, guided by the star. According to John J. Pilch (The Cultural World of Jesus: Sunday by Sunday, Cycle A), Magi were not kings, or even “wise men” in the traditional sense. They were members of an upper caste, serving as political and religious advisors to rulers in what is now Iran and Iraq.

In Matthew’s account, the Magi follow the star to find Jesus, venerate him, and then depart quickly. Their journey symbolizes the reach of Christ’s dominion beyond Israel. Their presence at Herod’s court – seeking a "newborn king of the Jews" – signals that this king’s reign will extend far beyond the Roman Empire. The Magi’s search reveals that the true king comes not from established power, but from a humble family in Bethlehem.

This light, revealed to outsiders like the Magi, illuminates the lives of the overlooked and downtrodden. The Epiphany proclaims that God’s light is for all, especially those marginalized by the world. Ironically, those closest to God’s promises – Herod, the chief priests, and scribes – fail to see, or respond to the light. Meanwhile, the outsiders, the Magi, follow the star and find Christ.

A Call to Search and Respond
Epiphany invites us to leave the familiar and search for Christ in unlikely places. What gifts will we bring when we find him? Instead of frankincense, we might advocate for poor families, especially single parents and newborns. Instead of gold, we could support shelters for homeless families, or international programs for children and the elderly. Instead of myrrh, we could visit the sick and dying.

Like the Magi, we are guided by grace, which acts as our star, leading us to the hidden places where Christ is found. The Magi brought gifts fit for royalty, but today Christ is found not in palaces, but among the poor. Epiphany reminds us that each day Christ manifests himself in the world’s lesser places and among surprising people. These are the places to bring our gifts, starting with the most important one: ourselves.

God’s Self-Giving Light
Our recent activities may have focused on preparing for the celebration of Christ’s birth. Yet these days are not primarily about what we have done, but about what God has done. Scripture repeatedly reveals God as the primary actor in our story: “...but upon you the Lord shines,” Isaiah proclaims. Paul affirms, “...the mystery was made known to me by revelation.” Matthew tells us the Magi were guided by a star.

The Epiphany reveals the profound mystery of our faith: God has given God’s self completely to the world. This feast celebrates God’s self-giving and challenges us to reflect that light to others.

Symbols of Light
Some parishes may enhance their Epiphany celebrations with additional candles. While most processions include two altar servers carrying candles, others could carry lighted candles to the sanctuary, placing them near the altar, ambo, or baptismal font. Symbols like these often speak more powerfully than words, touching hearts deeply. A procession of lighted candles into a dimmed church proclaims the central message of Epiphany: Christ, our light, has come and revealed himself to the world.

Click here for a link to this Sunday’s readings:
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/010525.cfm