The Epiphany of the Lord ( Jan. 4, 2009)

The word "Epiphany" is a rather obscure word for most of us. It is a Greek word, meaning"manifestation", that is, the clear appearing of something or of one unknown to us before.What could not be seen and comprehended, finally is manifested in the child Jesus lying in the manger. Thus, the Feast of the Epiphany can be rightly called the feast of our coming to faith in Christ, who is the manifestation of God to the entire human race.

It was an event which Christians of the early church celebrated with great enthusiasm. There was a good reason for it: the wise men were the first non-Jews who believed in Christ, and early Christians, most of whom had been pagans before, saw in the three wise men three of their own people. They praised God for having called not only the Jews, but pagans as well, to the faith.

"Emmanuel- God with us, " was born on Christmas day. However, in time, Jesus will make God present to the people during his public ministry. People were in awe and wonder, they exclaimed, "He speaks as one with authority, unlike our leaders." Many others praised God saying, " A great prophet has arisen in out midst and God has come to visit his people." The life of Jesus was a continuous Epiphany of God. Emmanuel- God with us!

The church has been entrusted with the same mission, to manifest God through its sacramental life and charity. When the world is challenging the mission of the church, we the disciples have to take courage and stands firm to our call to manifest God to the world. There are many among us who have been led astray to betray the faith , and be a counterwitness to this great mystery. Nevertheless, there are many others, who have given their lives to proclaim the faith with their own blood.

Although, we live in an era not conducive for faith and worship, we are called upon, all the more, to make God present through our life of faith and charity. Mother Teresa of Calcutta became a face of God to suffering humanity through her life of prayer, sacrifice and outreach. The Epiphany of God was seen by many in India and the rest of the world that compelled many to discover the Almighty in charity and faith.

The feast of the Epiphany is the celebration of our faith. Therefore, let us come before God with thankfulness and gratitude for the gift of His Son Jesus, who is the manifestation of the Eternal God, and the source of our faith. Let us live our faith in prayer, sacraments, sacrifice and charity.
-Fr. Peter Fernandes, sfx.