Today we celebrate solemnity of “The Epiphany of the Lord.” Now the word “Epiphany” comes from the Greek word ‘Epiphania’ meaning ‘revelation’ or ‘manifestation’. Today’s feast commemorates the public manifestation of God in the person of Jesus. It’s manifestation of God to the Gentiles.
Friends, our God is the God of all nations. He is God for all the people and all the nations. The first reading very clearly says that there will come a time when all the people will be brought together around the Lord and blessed abundantly. The glory of the Lord will descend on earth and His glory will envelop the whole of creation. In our second reading St. Paul speaks of universal salvation. God loves the non – Christians too for they also are beneficiaries of God’s salvific plan.
The feast of the Epiphany was the manifestation of Jesus to the wise men. It was an event which Christians of the early Church celebrated with great enthusiasm. There was a good reason for it: the wise men were the first non-Jews who believed in Christ, and early Christians, most of whom had been Pagans before, saw in the three wise men three of their own people. They praised God for having called not only Jews, but Pagans as well, to the faith.
The journey of the wise men symbolically indicates the destination of our journey and the means to reach there. The journey of the wise men reveals to us that we too are pilgrims on earth in search of permanent dwelling place. The journey of the wise men towards the birthplace of Jesus indicates that we too are pilgrims who should travel towards God. We should travel towards God because only in Him can we find our ultimate fulfillment.
Gratitude & My Travel to India
Christmas season is a grateful season. It reminds us to remember what God has done in our life, especially through Jesus Christ. My heart is filled with joy and happiness to appreciate all of you for sending me beautiful Christmas cards and wishes. In a special way I would like to thank you for your generosity and kindness. You are greatly appreciated. It’s been my pleasure to be with you celebrating Christmas and New Year’s. It’s time for me to take leave for a few days and be with my mum and siblings. I would like to inform you that I will be leaving for India on January 11th for vacation. I shall be back to the Parish on February 11th.
Kindly remember me in your prayers so that I may have safe travels and a great time with my mum and siblings. I assure you my prayers. God bless.
Fr. Kishore Battu SAC