Epiphany comes from Greek word which means manifestation or revelation. So, we can say that today, we celebrate the manifestation of the world; Jesus reveals Himself to the world. After his birth, Jesus revealed Himself to the shepherds. The shepherds were the first group to see Jesus. And then Jesus revealed to the Magi who came from the East to adore Him. Now, why does this story of the wise men capture the attention of the Church? What is Matthew trying to tell us here? What is the point?
The visit of the wise men, or this story captures the imagination of the Church for many reasons: First of all, the story of the wise men captures the attention of the Church because according to our Christian tradition, the wise men represent all the other peoples of the world. Christians, pagans, can be saved by God. Everyone can be saved. Salvation is for everyone. The wise men were pagans. However worshiped Jesus as pagans and they went back as pagans.
Secondly, this story captures our attention because of the star…star that led the wise men to Bethlehem. The wise men followed the star that led them to the child Jesus. To them, the light of the star was a symbol of hope, symbol of joy and symbol of peace. All of us have stars to follow. Our stars are people who show us the way, who inspire us, who attract us. Sometimes good example can be a star. John the Baptist was a guiding star. He led his disciples to Jesus. Remember the passage when Jesus was passing by, John the Baptist said to his disciples, point to Jesus, that this is the Lamb of God. Then two of his disciples followed Jesus.
Today, everyone of us. Every baptized person, we are called to be star for others. We are called to bring our friends, and relatives close to Jesus. Our spirit to serve God and his people, our commitment to the poor, the homeless, the sick. Our spirit to bring peace, our generosity, our passion to Go, the way we live our faith as couple, our attitude to prayer are a powerful to attract people to God. Because through us, God can touch many lives. Through us, through our humble example or service, God can change the hearts of many. The question is: How does my life attract people to believe in God ? How does your marriage inspire young people to get marriage in the Church? How does my life as priest attract young people to priesthood? How does our family life attract people to reconcile? How does our life help people to know God, to serve God?
Let us pray, let us become star of Christmas, star of Bethlehem leading people to Jesus.
