When we have an insight into a problem, or the answer to something that we’ve been working on for a long time, we sometimes say we had an epiphany, meaning we have suddenly become enlightened. Indeed, the word “epiphany” comes from Greek, and the most literal translation is “a shining upon.” The feast we celebrate today is exactly that; we celebrate God’s shining upon the world the news that His reign is beginning, and it encompasses all people, not just the Jewish nation. In the first reading, we hear the Prophet Isaiah speaking about the glory of the Lord shining on all nations, and people from all nations bringing gifts.
The psalm echoes this theme… “Lord, every nation on earth will adore You.” St. Paul also states that Gentiles are coheirs with the Jewish people, “members of the same body, and copartners in the promise of Christ Jesus through the gospel.”
However, most striking is the Gospel reading from Matthew in which he describes the magi (wise men) who “observed the star at its rising” and recognized that it signified the birth of a king. This epiphany, this enlightenment, was a gift from God, and it drove these men (who, besides not being Jewish, were not even from the region) across “field and fountain, moor and mountain” for what most scholars believe was a 1.5-year journey to pay homage. The Light of the World is truly for everyone. This is not just good news, this is life-altering news. Jesus came for you and me; we are bathed in His light. We are called to share His light with others, to help them see through the dark periods of their lives, to be a light shining in the darkness for others. There are many ways that we can do this; ask God for your own epiphany regarding what He’s asking you to do in the upcoming year, and may God’s light continue to shine brightly in and through all of us.