Today we
celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany, the day when the Magi from the East visited
the child Jesus. They were seeking the newborn King of the Jews. Following the star,
they trusted that their journey would result in finding the child they sought. They
were searching for the light that would lead them not just that day but always.
Their journey brought them to a stable where they found the Christ child. They
had encountered Herod and were told to let him know where the child was so he
too could go and worship him. The angel tells them to go home a different way.
The word
Epiphany means theophany -- a visible, tangible manifestation or
revelation of God to humanity, the gift of God’s child is for everyone. Christ
is not limited to any one culture, ethnicity, skin color, gender, or
hemisphere. As John says in his gospel, Christ is God’s way of showing love to the
world. And the Greek word in John 3:16 suggests an even greater scope: “God so
loved the world that God gave his child.” Christ is God’s gift for all of
creation.
This day is
also known as “Three Kings Day” or Dia de los Reyes. It celebrated with cakes
and festivities. I have fond memories of the creche set my mother painted for
us. As a child I was always fascinated by the kings they were so regal. They had
crowns painted with real gold and their camels were so fancy. It really was a tribute
to their status in live. They came and showed that Christ came for all. May we
always remember that the King we serve is Christ and no other. The Magi were
told by an unjust ruler to tell him where they found the child but defied him
and returned a different way.
As we
celebrate this day let us remember a quote attributed to a 16th century doctor
of the church St. Teresa of Ávila:
Let nothing
disturb you, let nothing frighten you, all things are passing away: God never
changes. Patience obtains all things. Whoever has God lacks nothing; God alone
suffices.