We observed his star at its rising,
and have come to pay homage to the Lord

The Gospel Acclamation clearly explains why the magi wanted to come to Bethlehem. Their visit has become for the Church a sign of her missionary work. Although the Saviour was born among the people of Israel the good news of salvation was to be spread to all nations.

Today we celebrate the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord. In the Liturgical Calendar of the Roman Catholic Church this feast is celebrated on January 6th and on the following Sunday the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord is observed. Yet, in some countries including Canada, the Epiphany is held on the first Sunday after January 1st. This solemnity had its origins in the Eastern Christian Tradition and was a celebration of the manifestation of the Incarnation of Jesus Christ. At the beginning, the birth of Christ, the story of the Magi, Christ’s baptism, His divine manifestation, the miracle at the wedding in Cana, and the feeding of the crowds were celebrated in the one festival of the Epiphany. The Epiphany was celebrated before the Church began celebrating the Nativity. Western Christians have traditionally emphasized the “Revelation to the Gentiles”. For us the main idea of the Epiphany is that Jesus came to our world to be our Redeemer and Saviour. We would like Him to be known by all people, because He is the Light of the world. Let us adore Him!

God bless,
Fr. Peter