2026/01/04 SCRIPTURE REFLECTION
The Epiphany of the Lord
- Dominic Reyes, Asst Mgr of Events & Ministry Engagement
This week, we celebrate the Epiphany of the Lord, in which the three Magi come to Jesus bearing gifts of frankincense, gold, and myrrh. While growing up in the Catholic faith, I will admit that I never fully understood why this specific moment within Biblical history marks the epiphany of our Lord Jesus Christ. I remember learning at a young age that “Epiphany” comes from a Greek word that means to manifest or to appear. For my young self, I would assume that the revelation of our Lord would be extravagant and bold, not three random guys giving gifts to Jesus because they followed a star. Also, it was confusing for me because why not just call Jesus’s literal birth as his Epiphany Day? Why wait until this very moment?
Well, while young me is correct that Jesus physically appeared into the world on his birth, the Epiphany means more than just a physical manifestation. The Epiphany marks the day that Jesus was revealed to the whole world, not just the select people but to the gentiles. Within the first reading, we see the prophet Isaiah proclaim the coming of Jesus to not just Jerusalem, but to all nations; “Nations shall walk by your light, and kings by your shining radiance...they all gather and come to you: your sons come from afar, and your daughters in the arms of their nurses.” The responsorial psalm reflects this, acclaiming that every nation on earth will adore Jesus, not just the Jews but the Gentiles as well; “The kings of Tarshish and the Isles shall offer gifts; the kings of Arabia and Seba shall bring tribute. All kings shall pay him homage, all nations shall serve him.” We even see this declaration appear in the second reading with Paul writing, “It was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed...that the Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body and copartners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.”
Even before we hear the gospel, we are reminded of our Lord’s inclusivity to all His creation, not a select. There is no bias, only people within the eyes of the Lord, and His Epiphany shows just that. The star signifying His birth is perfect as anyone can look up and see the coming of the Lord. Even at birth, Jesus showed himself to be accessible to everyone, if they have the will and tenacity to continue the journey to Him. The three kings directly reflect just that, men who followed the star not just out of curiosity, but out of faith and determination. I pray that we all start the new year with that same determination and unwavering faith.