Today’s feast of the Epiphany of our Lord is one of those liturgical celebrations that use the same readings, psalm and Gospel for Cycles A, B and C. Based on the revelation of the Savior, Jesus, who brings hope to the world, its theme is one of Hope Revealed in relation to what is happening in the world. Since that time 2000 plus years ago, believers and non-believers have been trying to recognize what that means in their life.
Since the last liturgical Cycle A in 2020, the first official case of the Covid-19 pandemic was reported in the state of Washington on January 20. Since then, millions have been infected, hundreds of thousands have died, millions lost their jobs and are not able to pay their bills, a stand for racial equality has caused civil unrest and political upheaval has brought us confusion and fear. Even with approved vaccines and booster shots currently being distributed, we are still struggling with returning to a normal before that time.
In this year of 2023 (Cycle A) we can add the war in Ukraine which started on February 24, 2022, when Russia launched a military invasion of Ukraine. Given this scenario and Covid-19, how does hope become a reality?
Our answer as baptized Catholic Christians is to trust God in His love for us so we can love all that He has created. That’s why we gather to worship God and offer up our lives as disciples so we can be present to those in need. How else can we get through the tough times unless we believe that God has a purpose and we need to fulfill that purpose with the gifts He has given us at our disposal like the Magi gave Jesus, Mary and Joseph.
Epiphany is about our journey to find that God is always present and freely given to all. St. Paul in his Letter to the Ephesians writes “that the Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body and copartners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the Gospel.” Isn’t that the crux of the meaning of Epiphany, God is no longer limiting His relationship to a certain race, but is giving His promise to all who seek God in Christ and then becoming members of the same body of Christ.
The Wise men did not know where the star would lead them. They just followed it until it brought them to Bethlehem and to Jesus. They never, I am sure, regretted their decision. If we can only have the courage and the trust to follow their example, I doubt if we will have regrets either. If we have not already done so, today is the day to make that start: To accept and believe in the Epiphany that gives us Hope Revealed.
Reading 1: Isaiah 60: 1-6
Reading 2: Ephesians 3: 2-3a, 5-6
Gospel: Matthew 2: 1-12
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