The Epiphany of the Lord

We usually associate the Epiphay of the Lord with the visit of the Magi to the child in Bethlehem, but this is only one aspect of a much deeper reality. The Eastern Church celebrates the Theophany of the Lord, that is, the revelation of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit at the Baptism of the Lord in the river Jordan, where all three persons of the blessed Trinity were manifest: The voice, the dove and Jesus in the water. Yesterday, we read the story of the wedding feast at Cana, another time when Jesus revealed his divinity, as we look back on it. Evidently the disciples did not make the connection at the moment, but just saw it as a great miracle, later called a "sign". In the early Church, all three events were combined into one celebration, the visit of the Magi, Cana and the Baptism. These became separate feasts over time, especially when the Birth of the Lord became a focal point. Tomorrow, we will celebrate the Baptism of the Lord, bringing to a close the Christmas cycle.
Focusing on the arrival of the Magi, there are many elements which fire the imagination: the star, the Wisemen themselves...who were they???....the gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh...their adoration and homage to a little babe...This is another day to spend time before the Crib, as St. Marcellin loved to do and strongly advised his followers to do and allow the rich imagery touch us. What treasures can we find in our own hearts to present to Jesus? We have no access to the gold, frankincense and myrrh of the Magi, but we have our love, our faith, and our hope. Let us place these at the foot of the crib, and like these Wisemen, let the star, lead us to the hearts of those who need the light of our love, care, and compassion.
Bro. Rene