Reflection:

Today, the church celebrates the solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord in the Christmas season. This feast marks the celebration of three kings (also known as three wise men) from the East. They are traveling to Jerusalem to visit and worship baby Jesus, their Lord and king. They come to offer him their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh acknowledging him as king (ruler), priest (offeror of sacrifice) and the holy sacrifice (to be offered). 

In reality the feast of Epiphany of the Lord is the feast which tells us that it is Jesus (baby Jesus) who makes himself known to the people of all nations over and beyond boundaries of the chosen people of Israel. In today’s Responsorial Psalm, we have responded, “Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.” Yes, the magi who visit baby Jesus, Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem represent the nations of world who are hungry to find their king and savior. 

Prophet Isaiah, in today’s First Reading is prophesying of the great joy and light emerging in Jerusalem which caste away the darkness of sin which has engulfed the earth since the sin of Adam and Eve. This super light is the LORD who shines and brings forth his glory to all the nations. “Nations shall walk by your light, and kings by your shining radiance. In today’s Second Reading, Paul is writing to the Ephesians, “that the Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and co-partners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.” Unlike in the past where salvation was confined within one nation, with the coming of Jesus, who is the light of justice, his light permeates in the lives of people from all the nations of the world who come into Jerusalem and asks King Herod, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.” 

It is an amazing grace to see how Jesus is coming to break all the boundaries which separated people whether be languages, cultures, peoples or times. He comes to rule and establish one kingdom under God. It is truly amazing. Today the Catholic Church is present in all countries of the world. It is present in urban and rural areas, it is present in ghettoes of cities and in the plains of the fields. 

Our Profession of the Faith is spoken in all the languages of the world whether it is English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Ukranian, Swahili, Spanish, or Ndebele. During his quarter a century papacy, Pope St. John Paul II traveled all over the world to visit Jesus flock. He was welcomed in those countries not only with those who profess the Catholic faith but by people of all faiths, languages, cultures and backgrounds. He kissed the soil of their countries to let them know he belongs to them. St. John Paul II informed the people of all the nations that Jesus has come into the world for the whole humanity of the world. He is the Lord of glory. He is Emmanuel – God with us. For me the Pope St. John Paul II exemplifies he Epiphany of the Lord. “Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.” 

Yes! Amen! 
Fr. Severine