The Epiphany of the Lord – Year C

Sunday, January 5, 2025

This Week’s Readings | USCCB

The radio stopped playing Christmas music, creative holiday displays adorning department store windows are replaced with wintry themes for a new shopping season, and trays of gingerbread and tree-shaped sugar cookies at bakeries along with long lines are gone. Yes, most people have moved on from Christmas, but not the faithful. We continue to celebrate and reflect on the mystery of the Incarnation and the wonder of the events that occurred during Christmastide. The Son of God entered our world to redeem us and bring salvation to all people. Life and everything lost with the original sin is restored by Christ, our redeemer, who gives us the promise of eternal life and communion with Him. Reflecting on the joy of the events we celebrate during Christmas is meant to stay with us long after all presents are unwrapped. The Christmas season begins on the evening of December 24 with the Vigil Mass of the Nativity of the Lord. It continues until the celebration of the Baptism of the Lord, which occurs on the Sunday after the Epiphany, January 12, 2025, this year.

The celebratory Readings for this week focus on the themes of light, revelation, and the universal call to salvation. Isaiah calls Jerusalem, “Arise! Shine, for your light has come, the glory of the Lord has dawned upon you. Though darkness covers the earth, and thick clouds, the peoples, Upon you the Lord will dawn, and over you his glory will be seen.” —Isaiah 60:1-2. God’s presence is light that dispels darkness and brings hope to the people. In our second Reading for today, Paul underscores the inclusivity of God’s plan that brings salvation to all people: “the Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and copartners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.” —Ephesians 3:6. And the selection from Matthew’s Gospel recounts the Magi’s journey and their visit. The light of Christ was not just for the people of Israel, the chosen ones, it guided the Magi and guides all people to salvation. The light in these Readings symbolizes God’s presence and guidance. This light of Christ is meant to be shared to illuminate the path to salvation for all people, not just the chosen ones, and to call everyone His children. That is the good news of great joy to all people.

Despite being outsiders, the Magi demonstrated great faith in following the light to find Jesus and recognized Him as King during their encounter with the divine. Their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the infant Jesus encapsulate the recognition of Jesus’ kingship, divinity, and humanity, respectively. This example of worship serves as a model for all believers. It encourages us to approach Christ with reverence and faith. The journey of the Magi shows how faith often requires a willingness to step into the unknown, trusting in God’s calling and guidance.

In this Christmas season, and as we recall the visit of the Magi, let us reflect on our own faith journey and seek to deepen our relationship with God. Pray for guidance and ways to share Christ’s light with the world.

Go in Peace to Love and Serve the Lord.