Epiphany of the Lord

Epiphany is a great religious feast for all Christian churches worldwide. The feast of Epiphany is also where we find the root of our seasonal gift-giving. We look at our scriptural texts for this feast and think about the Magi, the star, Herod, the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, and wonder how any of these signs and symbols can touch our lives today. At the very least, we can say that these people and these events challenge us to reflect on our own openness to the stranger and foreigner.

Herod was faced with this dilemma when he was obliged to receive the Magi to discover the nature of their journey, and of their disturbing questions about “the king of the Jews.” Well, we realize we are all on a journey. The star then reappeared as soon as they began their journey again – it had guided the Magi to Herod. This star also guided them to the newborn and his mother.

A mother and her newborn! What greater symbol of life can there be? Interestingly, today it is the mother and child who are on a journey. Often, the entire family has replaced the Magi. It is the “holy family” who journeys from afar, looking for a new way, a journey to a new life. The Magi may be a symbol, even a powerful symbol of our own searching and journey, but the “holy families” are simply too real to ignore and dismiss.

Let Us Pray:

Gracious God, like Saint Peter Julian Eymard, we are all on a journey of faith. We ask that you send Your Spirit to open our eyes to recognize the star you send to guide and direct us. Be with families as they journey together, be with refugees and immigrants who seek a place of safety and hope, and lead us all into the peace that only You can give. Amen.