The Feast of the Epiphany, also known as the Manifestation of the Lord, is a significant celebration in the liturgical calendar. It commemorates the visit of the Magi to the newborn Jesus, symbolizing the revelation of Christ to the Gentiles and the wider world. The readings for this feast day invite us to reflect on the themes of light, revelation, and the universal nature of God's salvation.
First Reading: Isaiah 60:1-6
The first reading from the Book of Isaiah is a powerful proclamation of light and glory:
"Rise up in splendor, Jerusalem! Your light has come, the glory of the Lord shines upon you. See, darkness covers the earth, and thick clouds cover the peoples; but upon you the LORD shines, and over you appears his glory. Nations shall walk by your light, and kings by your shining radiance. Raise your eyes and look about; they all gather and come to you: your sons come from afar, and your daughters in the arms of their nurses. Then you shall be radiant at what you see, your heart shall throb and overflow, for the riches of the sea shall be emptied out before you, the wealth of nations shall be brought to you. Caravans of camels shall fill you, dromedaries from Midian and Ephah; all from Sheba shall come bearing gold and frankincense, and proclaiming the praises of the LORD."
This passage from Isaiah speaks of the glory of the Lord shining upon Jerusalem, dispelling the darkness that covers the earth. The imagery of nations and kings coming to the light of Jerusalem foreshadows the visit of the Magi, who represent the Gentile nations recognizing the light of Christ. The gifts of gold and frankincense mentioned in the prophecy are echoed in the Gospel account of the Magi's visit. This reading invites us to reflect on the universal nature of God's salvation and the call to be a light to the world.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13
The responsorial psalm is a prayer for the king, asking for God's justice and righteousness:
"Lord, every nation on earth will adore you. O God, with your judgment endow the king, and with your justice, the king’s son; He shall govern your people with justice and your afflicted ones with judgment. Lord, every nation on earth will adore you. Justice shall flower in his days, and profound peace, till the moon be no more. May he rule from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth. Lord, every nation on earth will adore you. 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. Lord, every nation on earth will adore you. For he shall rescue the poor when he cries out, and the afflicted when he has no one to help him. He shall have pity for the lowly and the poor; the lives of the poor he shall save. Lord, every nation on earth will adore you."
This psalm emphasizes the themes of justice, peace, and the universal reign of the king. The mention of kings bringing gifts and paying homage to the king resonates with the visit of the Magi, who brought gifts to the newborn King of the Jews. The psalm calls us to recognize the kingship of Christ and to adore Him as the Savior of all nations.
Second Reading: Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6
In the second reading, St. Paul speaks of the mystery of Christ revealed to the Gentiles:
"Brothers and sisters: You have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for your benefit, namely, that the mystery was made known to me by revelation. It was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: that the Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and copartners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel."
Paul's message highlights the revelation of God's plan of salvation to the Gentiles. The mystery of Christ, once hidden, is now made known to all people through the apostles and prophets. This reading underscores the inclusivity of the Gospel and the unity of all believers in Christ. It calls us to embrace our identity as coheirs and members of the same body, united in the promise of salvation.
Gospel: Matthew 2:1-12
The Gospel reading recounts the visit of the Magi to the newborn Jesus:
"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."
This passage from Matthew's Gospel tells the story of the Magi, wise men from the East, who followed a star to find the newborn King of the Jews. Their journey represents the search for truth and the recognition of Jesus as the Savior of all nations. The gifts they bring—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—symbolize Jesus' kingship, divinity, and eventual suffering and death. The Magi's visit highlights the universal significance of Jesus' birth and the fulfillment of God's promise to bring salvation to all people.
Reflection
The Feast of the Epiphany invites us to reflect on the revelation of Christ to the world and the universal nature of God's salvation. The readings for this feast day emphasize the themes of light, revelation, and the inclusivity of the Gospel. The visit of the Magi symbolizes the recognition of Jesus as the Savior of all nations and the fulfillment of God's promise to bring salvation to the Gentiles.
As we celebrate the Epiphany, let us open our hearts to the light of Christ and recognize His presence in our lives. Let us embrace our identity as coheirs and members of the same body, united in the promise of salvation. May we, like the Magi, seek the truth and offer our gifts to the newborn King, proclaiming His glory and sharing His love with the world.
: [USCCB](https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/010525.cfm)
: [Dynamic Catholic](https://www.dynamiccatholic.com/mass-readings-today-01052025.html)
: [Catholic Gallery](https://www.catholicgallery.org/mass-reading/050125/)
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