The Epiphany of the Lord

Sunday, 5th January 2014

THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD

Solemnity 

The Epiphany is the manifestation of Jesus as Messiah of Israel, Son of God and Saviour of the world. The great feast of Epiphany celebrates the adoration of Jesus by the wise men (magi) from the East, together with his baptism in the Jordan and the wedding feast at Cana in Galilee.

In the magi, representatives of the neighbouring pagan religions, the Gospel sees the first-fruits of the nations, who welcome the good news of salvation through the Incarnation. the magi's coming to Jerusalem in order to pay homage to the king of the Jews shows that they seek in Israel, in the messianic light of the star of David, the one who will be king of the nations.

Their coming means that pagans can discover Jesus and worship him as Son of God and Saviour of the world only by turning towards the Jews and receiving from them the messianic promise as contained in the Old Testament. The Epiphany shows that "the full number of the nations" now takes its "place in the family of the patriarchs"(St. Leo the Great, Sermo 3 in epiphania Domini) and "acquires Israelitica dignitas" (Roman Missal, Easter Vigil, Prayer after the third reading) is made "worthy of the heritage of Israel".

Catechism of the Catholic Church, § 528

Readings:

• Book of Isaiah 60:1-6. 
• Psalms 72(71):1-2.7-8.10-11.12-13. 
• Letter to the Ephesians 3:2-3a.5-6. 
• Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew 2:1-12. 

The Holy Mass will be celebrated by bishop c. Raphael Zimer at 

12:00 PM SLT in Saint Francis Cathedral

TELEPORT

You are all most welcome. God bless You.