On this feast of Epiphany, the Church celebrates today is the manifestation of our Lord Jesus to the whole world, after being made known to the shepherds of Bethlehem. He is revealed to the Magi who have come from the East to adore Him. Jesus is revealed as God. Jesus comes as a baby born of Mary, we rejoice that Christ is born, King of the Jews and King of all who seek salvation. The Epiphany experience reveals to us that God exists and God seeks us actively to draw us into union with Him.
The Magi “talk little and journey much,” and once they arrive at the manger they gave gifts, imitating Jesus who came to the world to offer His life. “To give freely, for the Lord’s sake, without expecting anything in return: this is the sure sign that we have found Jesus, to do good without counting the cost, even when unasked, even when you gain nothing thereby, even if it is unpleasant. That is what God wants.” ~ Pope Francis
Several moments in Christ’s early life and ministry have been celebrated as “epiphanies,” including his birth in Bethlehem, the visit of the Magi, his baptism by John, and his first miracle at Cana.
Gospel
Matthew 2:1-12
When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea,
in the days of King Herod,
behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying,
"Where is the newborn king of the Jews?
We saw his star at its rising
and have come to do him homage."
When King Herod heard this,
he was greatly troubled,
and all Jerusalem with him.
Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people,
He inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.
They said to him, "In Bethlehem of Judea,
for thus it has been written through the prophet:
And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
since from you shall come a ruler,
who is to shepherd my people Israel."
Then Herod called the magi secretly
and ascertained from them the time of the star's appearance.
He sent them to Bethlehem and said,
"Go and search diligently for the child.
When you have found him, bring me word,
that I too may go and do him homage."
After their audience with the king they set out.
And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them,
until it came and stopped over the place where the child was.
They were overjoyed at seeing the star,
and on entering the house
they saw the child with Mary his mother.
They prostrated themselves and did him homage.
Then they opened their treasures
and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod,
they departed for their country by another way.
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