Cosmos-Liturgy-Sex

In case you did not get to see it last year, here is a reflection by Msgr. Stuart Swetland on this great feast:

Msgr. Stuart Swetland, S.T.D.

A few years ago there was a TV commercial using the catch phrase “now that’s an epiphany.” In an attempt to sell computer equipment, the advertisers led viewers through various examples in order to define the term. Viewers came away understanding “epiphany” as a sudden realization changing one’s entire world-view. Today Catholics celebrate the Vigil of the Epiphany of the Lord. Ironically, I believe that the ad’s definition catches the essence of this holiday.

The term “epiphany” originates in ancient Greek society. It indicated the visible appearance of a normally invisible, divine being. Early in the life of the Church, the term was adapted by Eastern Christianity to describe the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist in the Jordan River. Although the details of development have been lost to history, other “epiphanies” came to be associated with this feast, including Jesus’ epiphany to Mary, Joseph and the shepherds at His birth, to the Magi at Bethlehem, and to Israel during the wedding feast at Cana.

Christians already celebrated the nativity by the end of the first century, but on various dates depending upon locality. By the early 4th century in the West, it was standardized to December 25th. Today in the Latin Church, the feast of Epiphany emphasizes the visit of the Magi. However, the Christmas liturgical season actually begins with Christmas, continues through Epiphany, and finally ends with the feast of the Baptism of the Lord. The celebration of this triple epiphany is spread out over several weeks.

This three-part Christmas epiphany manifests the Savior of the world to three distinct groups of people, in perhaps the reverse order that might be expected. In the nativity, God comes as a helpless baby and is made known to the Anawim—the poor, humble, outcast of Israel. The Lord of Lords and King of Kings reveals Himself to Mary and Joseph, who have humbly submitted to God’s will, and to shepherds who were the “unwashed” of Jewish society.

The second manifestation, the feast we celebrate this weekend, is to the Magi. These Gentiles are thought to be of noble birth, probably of the priestly class. While they are neither numbered nor named in the New Testament, Western tradition has them as three and has given them the names of Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar. In this epiphany, the prophecy of Isaiah 60:6 is fulfilled. Jesus is manifest to the nations, and the universal inclusiveness of the Kingdom of God is revealed.

The third manifestation, Jesus at His baptism, begins His public ministry to the people of Israel. In John’s Gospel, John the Baptist shows that this epiphany is something special. God’s Beloved Son is the Lamb of God who will take away the sins of the world (cf. John 1:29-34). With Jesus Christ everything is changed. He is bringing light to a dark world and life where there is death. The world will never be the same again. God so loves us that He gave us His Beloved Son to show us how to live and love.

Today Christians of many nationalities will remember these three “epiphanies” by marking their doorposts with 20+C+M+B+07 using specially blessed chalk. The inscription’s numbers indicate the year, and the letters simultaneously recall the epiphany to the three Magi (Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar) and stand for Christus mansionem benedicat (Christ bless this home). You might consider using this tradition to give witness to God’s love for us. In this way our homes become an epiphany to us and to our friends and neighbors.

May the Lord, who has revealed His indescribable love for us, bless you and your homes throughout this year.