The Epiphany of the Lord

The Epiphany of the Lord

Epiphany – which means “manifestation” or revelation celebrates the fact that when Jesus was born as a man in Bethlehem he came not for just one but for all peoples, all races – of all times and places. This would be something that the Jewish people would find difficult to accept. They knew themselves to be God’s Chosen People – and indeed they were, and they still are.  But in choosing the Jews, God in no way meant to disparage or belittle those who the Jews still call the “goyim” – or the nations. Indeed, the election of the Jews was not a put down for those who were not Jews – for in choosing Israel as a people peculiarly his own, God wanted them to be “a light to the nations”, a light that would lead the nations to the knowledge of the true God, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The Jews were elected by God not to be against the world but to be, in a special way, for the world.

And so, soon after Jesus’ birth, wise men from the East come to worship him. Their arrival on the scene shows, as it were, that the Savior born in Bethlehem comes to save not just the Jews but the entire world. The Magi represent the non-Jewish world – they represent us: Jesus comes to save us.

While Jesus’ mission was first to the lost sheep of Israel, it was not to be exclusively for them. Jesus would tell his Apostles: Go out into all the world and preach the good news. The good news of salvation is “catholic” – a word that comes from the Greek language and means universal. If Salvation is “catholic”, then the Church which Jesus founded to preach the good news of salvation must necessarily be Catholic as well. If the Church is the Father’s House, then all those who are God’s children through baptism should feel at home in their Father’s House.

Our diversity of languages, cultures, and races gives witness to the “catholicity” of the gospel message of salvation. This diversity does not divide the Body of Christ – it enriches it. Our unity is not founded on race or language or nation of origin – rather it is founded on Christ. We acknowledge one Lord, one Faith, one Baptism.

The original purpose of the Feast of Epiphany, which had its beginning in the Eastern Church during the 3 rd century, was to commemorate how the glory of Christ was revealed to the Gentiles. Such took place in four ways:   (1) in the person of the Magi;   (2) in the Baptism of Jesus;   (3) in the first miracle at Cana; and (4) When reviewing the early history of this celebration, it comes to our attention that the Birth of Christ was also included in the Feast of Epiphany.

Of these four, the Baptism of Jesus was predominantly commemorated.  Based on the writings of the early Church Fathers, it has been made known to us that the Birth of Christ and His first miracle at Cana both took place on January 6th. Now some of you may wonder, if the Birth of Jesus took place on January 6th, why do we celebrate Christmas on December 25th? This is a very interesting question!

During the early days of the Church, it was the custom of the pagans to celebrate the birthday of the sun on December 25th. During that celebration, the non-believers lit lights on account of the feast. As sad as it is to say, some of the members of the Christian community also participated in this unholy feast.

To remedy the situation, after consulting with one another, the Fathers of the Church determined that it was in the best interest of the Christians community to move the Feast of the Birth of Jesus to December 25th and to leave the Feast of the Epiphany on January 6th. During that period of twelve days, the Christians would enjoy the burning of lights. The burning of the lights was to symbolize the spiritual illumination that comes from the Sacrament of Baptism.

Joke: A farmer named Muldoon lived alone in the Irish countryside except for a pet dog he for a long time. The dog finally died and Muldoon went to the parish priest, saying "Father, the dog is dead. Could you possibly be saying a Mass for the poor creature?" Father Patrick told the farmer "No, we can't have services for an animal in the church, but I'll tell you what, there's a new denomination down the road apiece, and no telling what they believe in, but maybe they'll do something for the animal." Muldoon said "I'll go right now. By the way, do you think $50,000 is enough to donate for the service?" Father Patrick replied "Why didn't you tell me the dog was Catholic."

Practical Applications: 1) It’s interesting how often we follow the star of self. Even when we think we’re not, in things like church service, outreach to the poor and needy and many other things. 2) Let us strive to be pure and holy like our Heavenly Mother. All mothers want their children to inherit or acquire their good qualities. Hence, let us honor Mary, our Heavenly Mother, by practicing her virtues of faith, obedience, purity and humble service.  3) Let us have a daily resolution for the New Year: Let us resolve to start every morning asking our heavenly Father for a special anointing of His Holy Spirit so that we may do God’s holy will and avoid everything evil.

Introduction: The Epiphany of the Lord

Message:  All nations are invited to sing the Lord’s praises for they have been called to hear the good news and worship the long awaited Messiah and King with the gift of their lives.

Saints and Events in this Week: 6-Sixth-Monday-Saint Andre Bessette, religious; 7-Seventh-Tuesday-Saint Raymond of Penyafort, priest; 

Epiphany – which means “manifestation” or revelation celebrates the fact that when Jesus was born as a man in Bethlehem he came not for just one but for all peoples, all races – of all times and places. This would be something that the Jewish people would find difficult to accept. They knew themselves to be God’s Chosen People – and indeed they were, and they still are.  But in choosing the Jews, God in no way meant to disparage or belittle those who the Jews still call the “goyim” – or the nations. Indeed, the election of the Jews was not a put down for those who were not Jews – for in choosing Israel as a people peculiarly his own, God wanted them to be “a light to the nations”, a light that would lead the nations to the knowledge of the true God, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The Jews were elected by God not to be against the world but to be, in a special way, for the world.

And so, soon after Jesus’ birth, wise men from the East come to worship him. Their arrival on the scene shows, as it were, that the Savior born in Bethlehem comes to save not just the Jews but the entire world. The Magi represent the non-Jewish world – they represent us: Jesus comes to save us.

While Jesus’ mission was first to the lost sheep of Israel, it was not to be exclusively for them. Jesus would tell his Apostles: Go out into all the world and preach the good news. The good news of salvation is “catholic” – a word that comes from the Greek language and means universal. If Salvation is “catholic”, then the Church which Jesus founded to preach the good news of salvation must necessarily be Catholic as well. If the Church is the Father’s House, then all those who are God’s children through baptism should feel at home in their Father’s House.

Our diversity of languages, cultures, and races gives witness to the “catholicity” of the gospel message of salvation. This diversity does not divide the Body of Christ – it enriches it. Our unity is not founded on race or language or nation of origin – rather it is founded on Christ. We acknowledge one Lord, one Faith, one Baptism.

The original purpose of the Feast of Epiphany, which had its beginning in the Eastern Church during the 3 rd century, was to commemorate how the glory of Christ was revealed to the Gentiles. Such took place in four ways:   (1) in the person of the Magi;   (2) in the Baptism of Jesus;   (3) in the first miracle at Cana; and (4) When reviewing the early history of this celebration, it comes to our attention that the Birth of Christ was also included in the Feast of Epiphany.

Of these four, the Baptism of Jesus was predominantly commemorated.  Based on the writings of the early Church Fathers, it has been made known to us that the Birth of Christ and His first miracle at Cana both took place on January 6th. Now some of you may wonder, if the Birth of Jesus took place on January 6th, why do we celebrate Christmas on December 25th? This is a very interesting question!

During the early days of the Church, it was the custom of the pagans to celebrate the birthday of the sun on December 25th. During that celebration, the non-believers lit lights on account of the feast. As sad as it is to say, some of the members of the Christian community also participated in this unholy feast.

To remedy the situation, after consulting with one another, the Fathers of the Church determined that it was in the best interest of the Christians community to move the Feast of the Birth of Jesus to December 25th and to leave the Feast of the Epiphany on January 6th. During that period of twelve days, the Christians would enjoy the burning of lights. The burning of the lights was to symbolize the spiritual illumination that comes from the Sacrament of Baptism.

Joke: A farmer named Muldoon lived alone in the Irish countryside except for a pet dog he for a long time. The dog finally died and Muldoon went to the parish priest, saying "Father, the dog is dead. Could you possibly be saying a Mass for the poor creature?" Father Patrick told the farmer "No, we can't have services for an animal in the church, but I'll tell you what, there's a new denomination down the road apiece, and no telling what they believe in, but maybe they'll do something for the animal." Muldoon said "I'll go right now. By the way, do you think $50,000 is enough to donate for the service?" Father Patrick replied "Why didn't you tell me the dog was Catholic."

Practical Applications: 1) It’s interesting how often we follow the star of self. Even when we think we’re not, in things like church service, outreach to the poor and needy and many other things. 2) Let us strive to be pure and holy like our Heavenly Mother. All mothers want their children to inherit or acquire their good qualities. Hence, let us honor Mary, our Heavenly Mother, by practicing her virtues of faith, obedience, purity and humble service.  3) Let us have a daily resolution for the New Year: Let us resolve to start every morning asking our heavenly Father for a special anointing of His Holy Spirit so that we may do God’s holy will and avoid everything evil.

Introduction: The Epiphany of the Lord

Message:  All nations are invited to sing the Lord’s praises for they have been called to hear the good news and worship the long awaited Messiah and King with the gift of their lives.

Saints and Events in this Week: 6-Sixth-Monday-Saint Andre Bessette, religious; 7-Seventh-Tuesday-Saint Raymond of Penyafort, priest;