The word “epiphany” means “manifestation.” During the epiphany season we reflect upon the ways in which Jesus, a humble child of Mary, was revealed as the Savior of the world, including the gentiles. That is why the gospel texts for the season touch on such; His first miracle, at Cana, on His precocious wisdom at the age of 12 in Jerusalem.
The Epiphany emphasis is also upon Jesus’ manifestation to the gentiles, for He came not only for the Jews, but as “the lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world.” So the Festival of Epiphany itself celebrates the coming of the Magi, gentile scientist-philosophers from the east, to visit the newborn Jesus. Another lesson features the gentile centurion of Capernaum, who demonstrated such great faith.
It is our calling to also be part of Christ’s epiphany. We are called to make Jesus and His saving work manifest to the whole world.
Think of the unmerited love that God has lavished on the human race, wanting to make each one of us His child! He does this by giving His gifts, his promises of life and salvation. He does this by revealing His son as the child in the manger, the savior on the cross, the victor over death outside the tomb – and then using that good news to work faith in our hearts. For it is by faith that we receive what He gives – forgiveness of our sins, righteousness acceptable to God, and everlasting life.
We have received these gifts, and as Christians we want everyone else to have them. The challenge is to overcome all the reluctance that is so much a part of us. After all, what a terrible thing it would be that someone would miss out on the light of the gospel because we kept it to ourselves!