The Epiphany of the Lord
Today the Church celebrates the Epiphany—from a Greek word meaning “the manifestation or striking appearance of a God in some particular place”—when magi from afar came to reverence the Christ Child. This is significant because when Jesus was first born He was adored by the shepherds—fellow Jews, for whom He is the promised Messiah. Yet we know that as He grew and began His ministry it was clear that He came not merely for the lost sheep of Israel (Matthew 15:24), but for the entire world (John 3:16-17): the adoration of the magi prefigure this truth. This is, in many ways, the feast of most Christians, as most of our ancestors were more than likely Gentiles. The star that guided these wise men from their homes to Bethlehem is symbolic of the Gospel that guided our ancestors to an even greater light: Jesus Christ, the light of the world (John 8:12).