The Epiphany.

The Solemnity of the Epiphany commemorates the Magi’s journey to worship Jesus. It represents the coming of Jesus to all– to Gentiles and Jews alike. 

Jesus was born in Bethlehem, a small village about seven miles south of Jerusalem. 

The Shepherds and the magi were first visitors to the newborn Child in the manger. In one of his homilies on the Solemnity of the Epiphany, Pope Benedict XVI stressed the fact that the magi were seekers after God. The magi were men with a restless heart, men driven by a restless quest for God. They were longing for something deeper, they were not satisfied with their secure income and their respectable place in society. Deep down, they knew that there was something greater that was missing in their lives. Their journey from the East to Bethlehem was an expression of the inner pilgrimage of their hearts, a pilgrimage of faith. They were men who sought the true and living God.

Since the very beginning, men and women of every place, of every continent, of all cultures have been on this pilgrimage of faith to encounter the Divine. St. Augustine writes in his Confessions, that our hearts are restless until they rest in God. Like the three wise men, many in our society despite having a comfortable life—wonderful family and a great career, etc.—are experiencing this restlessness of heart. They long for something more in their lives. They long for the ultimate Truth and the ultimate Good, namely God.

Like the magi, may we draw closer to Jesus and go deeper in our relationship with Him. God alone can truly and forever fulfil us.

Epiphany blessings,

Fr. Robain!