Epiphany: the self-revelation of God. January 5.

"Lord every nation on earth will adore you."   (Response to Psalm 72)

Epiphany - when God manifests Godself to all creatures. We can link this feast with the beginning Church of the Gentiles through the visit and homage of the Magi which was foretold in Isaiah 60 ... ‘they all gather and come to you’, the procession of the nations to the God of Israel.

The gospel this Sunday is the story of the Magi who search out the child Jesus and pay humble homage. This is an important narrative showing the connection between the wisdom and truth-seeking of different nations, and the Word in Scripture that promises Christ.

As Paul proclaims in the second reading Christ came for all peoples the “Gentiles are coheirs” and “co-partners in the promise” of Christ for salvation. Eph 3:2, 6

 

From the first Reading: Isaiah 60

Rise up in splendour, Jerusalem! Your light has come,

the glory of the Lord shines upon you. See, darkness covers the earth,

and thick clouds cover the peoples; but upon you the LORD shines,

and over you appears his glory.

Nations shall walk by your light, and kings by your shining radiance.

Raise your eyes and look about; they all gather and come to you:

your sons come from afar, and your daughters in the arms of their nurses.

 

The Star of Bethlehem by Edward Burne Jones 1887-1891