The Feast of the Epiphany

by Fr. Chris Axline  |  01/05/2025  |  Weekly Reflection

Hello St. Mary Magdalene, Merry Christmas!

Today is the feast of the Epiphany and a wonderful feast where we see God manifesting Himself. A Greek word meaning “manifestation from above,” the feast of the Epiphany celebrates Christ as the Son of God via the magi who come and offer precious gifts to Jesus that both testify to Him as King and what He will do 33 years later. Yet, we’re also told about the wise men’s visit that they paid homage to Christ indicating that their greatest gift to Christ was them!

They had given their hearts and lives to Christ (indicated by them prostrating (lying face down) themselves before Jesus. They’re putting themselves in a posture of vulnerability and humility before Christ and, therefore, are setting an example for us on what we too can offer Christ. This gift of prostration is a gift worth more than anything else (yes, even than the pile of gold and expensive myrrh) and is what the Church invites us to imitate this celebration.

The greatest gift we can give Christ, one that each of us can offer in a unique way, is the gift of you! He [Christ] wants you! He was born, suffered, died, and rose again in glory; so that we might be with Him for eternity. This is the power of today’s marvelous feast and so, following the example of these three kings, “come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!”

God bless, Fr. Chris