Epiphany

The Oxford dictionary defines epiphany as "the manifestation of Christ to the Magi." We know the story from the gospel of Matthew, how the three wise men followed the star in search of the King of the Jews. On finding him, they "knelt down and paid him homage." They left their gifts, and then returned home.

Surely there is more to the story that that! What was that journey like? It was long, certainly longer than a year, and neither convenient nor comfortable.

"A cold coming we had of it," says T.S. Eliot, "Just the worst time of the year for a journey...The very dead of winter..." And yet they persevered till they found their goal, Jesus.

And who were these wise men? Tradition has it that they came from far countries, representatives of every race. This was Jesus showing himself to the entire world, including each of us.

What did they do when they arrived home? We can only imagine. But what would you have done if it had been you?

We are all on our journey to find Jesus. We, too, have often found the way uncomfortable and inconvenient. If we are wise, we too will continue on the journey, eyes on the star, certain that Jesus will manifest himself to us as God has promised. And what do we do afterwards, when we "return home?" I think the Father’s words at the Transfiguration were meant not just for Peter, James and John but for all of us, our instructions for the journey:

"This is my Son, the Beloved...listen to him!"

By Mary Buckley CSJ