What is the significance of January 15? This date is memorable to me. Why? I rather keep you in suspense. Nevertheless, there are certain historical events which we would never forget. Like December 7, 1941 the day when the Japanese bombed and attacked Pearl Harbor. September 11, 2001, the collapse of the Twin towers that cost the lives of more than 2000 Americans.

Last Sunday, we celebrated the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. According to St. Matthew, when John the Baptist saw Jesus coming to him for Baptism, he vehemently objected by saying: "I should be baptized by you, yet you come to me!" (Mt. 3:14) Jesus replied to him: "Give in for now. We must do this if we would fulfill all of God's demands." (Mt. 3:15)

In my previous homily, I said that Jesus manifested himself in three ways, namely: He manifests himself to the Gentiles (pagans) by the guidance of the star. This was the feast that we celebrated last Sunday. He manifests himself when he was baptized by John at the river Jordan, the feast that we celebrate today. And he manifests himself when he changes the water into wine at Cana, in Galilee.

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.