In the Philippines, we are used to drinking a three-in-one coffee, that is, coffee, creamer and sugar all in one sachet. Today, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Epiphany or manifestation of the Lord. Christ manifests himself in three ways, namely: He manifests himself to the Magi (the pagans); he manifests himself when he was baptized by John the Baptist at the river Jordan, and he manifests himself when he performed his first sign at Cana.

I would like to highlight today's solemnity. Christ's manifesting himself to the Gentiles as represented by the Magi. The Magi are not kings. The "three kings" is a misnomer. They are "Magi" which means astrologers coming from Persia or Babylonia. They study the heavenly bodies and try to draw out the meaning behind them. The spectacular star led them to Jerusalem in the days of King Herod the Great. They inquired: "Where is the new born king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage." This news disturbed the king and the all the residents of Jerusalem. He asked the help of the scribes and elders. They found a passage in the scripture which says: "And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; since from you shall come a ruler, who is to shepherd my people Israel." Saint Matthew loves to quote a passage from the Old Testament to prove that his Gospel is the Gospel of fulfillment. Jesus coming into the world is the fulfillment of the promise of God to save mankind.

Herod instructed them to search diligently for the child, and told them to give him a word that he may do him homage too. After their audience to the King, they set out towards Bethlehem and lo, they were overjoyed to see the star that proceeded before them and led them to the house where the Holy Family was. They prostrated, adored him and opened their treasures and offered their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. They were forewarned not to go back to Herod, thus they used a different route back to their homeland.

What is the meaning behind this solemnity? First, it means that Jesus who is the "Light of the World" did not come only for the Jews, but he came also for the Gentiles or pagans as represented by the Magi. Thus, the gift of salvation that God gives is for all the people. It is universal by nature. It is ironic that the Magi came in search of Jesus with the guidance of the star and they prostrated, adored and offered their gifts to him; while Herod, a Jew wanted to destroy the newborn King.

Second, all the infancy narratives of Jesus are meant to catechize the early Christian community about Jesus, his identity and his mission. He was born in Bethlehem. The literal meaning of Bethlehem is “House of Bread.” Indeed, he comes to us to give us the "bread of life,” in his word and in the Holy Eucharist. The Magi offered him "gold" which means that Jesus is the King of the universe. They offered him “frankincense,” which means that Jesus is the eternal priest of God. And they offered him “myrrh,” which means that Jesus is destined to offer himself as a sacrificial lamb who will die to save us from our sins.

Third, it points to the significance of the star. The Magi studied the star and came to conclude that there is a newborn King of the Jews. They followed diligently the star and it led them to Jesus. God also manifests himself in many ways in our life. He comes and manifests Himself to us in the beauty of creation. He comes to us as a light through the word of God or through the faith of the Christian community, through our conscience, through the witness of our brothers and sisters, through the sacraments, and through the signs of the times. We have just to be open and allow ourselves to be led these different manifestations so that we are led to Jesus in order to adore and glorify Him and offer ourselves to him.

Fr. Jerome

P.S. I would like to take this opportunity to greet all the parishioners and wish you a "Happy New Year!” And soon, I will finish my whole year here at STR and OLV. I would be happy if you can give me your positive feedback or give me pointers where I can improve to serve you well. This is not only true for me, but also for the parish staff. Thank you.

BACK TO LIST