Gospel: Epiphany

The Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord tells us about the Three Wise Men travelling from the East to adore the birth of Jesus, who is destined to become the King of the Jews. When Herod heard of this, he became very worried and he inquired about the prophecy from the Jewish authority, and told the Wise Men to return to him after they paid homage so he could also do the same after them. Although the Gospel According to Saint Matthew did not tell this, Herod just wanted to kill Jesus.

The Epiphany of the Lord tells us three things:

1. Gift Giving;
2. Pilgrimage;
3. Following the Star.

Perhaps the tradition of gift giving started or was inspired by the Epiphany, where Christians give each other presents to celebrate the birth of Jesus. But the gifts that Jesus received are not just three gifts, but very providential. They are meaningful gifts that the Holy Family needed to escape the clasp of greed from Herod's hand.

Pope Francis have always said that Christmas is not just about consumerism, where we should expect expensive gifts and grand feast to celebrate Christmas. Christmas is free, and Christmas is to be celebrated in our hearts. The true celebration is Jesus being in our hearts.

The Epiphany is also about pilgrimage. Perhaps the Catholic tradition of travelling miles away from home to visit Shrines from far places (and especially the Holy Land) was inspired by the Wise Men. Visiting Shrines to pay homage to Jesus, to our Mother Mary, and the Saints, is one way of glorifying God by offering our time to them, praying to them in the name of the Lord for thanksgiving, and offering gifts and lighting candles, as a way of celebrating Jesus, the Word becoming flesh.

Meanwhile, Following the Star means following God's call, following the signs and wonders, and listening to divine revelation. Not all people will rejoice about the good news. Some will be threatened from their thrones, Jesus will cause division among many peoples, and He will lead Kings to kill innocent people.

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Picture from Pixabay.