The Epiphany of the Lord
The glorious Solemnity of the Epiphany of The Lord has always had a special place in the hearts and history of the Eymardian family since it was the day chosen by our Founder for the first public exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in 1857. Some days later, Father Eymard wrote to Marguerite Guillot, What a joy for us to see Jesus, our King, on January 6, mount his throne of love for the first time, to manifest his presence in this unique way.
From that day on, the Eucharistic Presence of Christ in liturgical celebration and exposition propelled the sons and daughters of Eymard to the corners of the world to respond to the hungers of the human family (Rule of Life 3).
How appropriate then that Eymard chose a liturgical feast announcing the manifestation of the Lord to all the nations. Christ would not just bring salvation to Israel but to all of humanity, and Christ Eucharistic would invite all people to dine in his Kingdom.
Might it be said that the presence of the Magi, Gentiles, and outsiders left its mark on the memories of the early Christian community and contributed to a new openness and awareness of God’s plan of salvation, as shown in the ministry of Paul, who saw the Gentiles as coheirs, members of the same body, and copartners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel (2nd reading).
Perhaps this celebration of the Epiphany invites us to look again at the presence of the Magi, visitors from another culture and spiritual heritage, and those whom Jesus invited to his table, and how we might contribute to building a bigger table in our localities.
Let us pray:
Lord, open our eyes to see your presence in all our brothers and sisters.
