Feast of the Epiphany

 As we read through the Lectionary, one of the great reforms of Vatican II, it is always rewarding to be attentive to all the readings for the day and not isolate the Gospel. Likewise, for the feasts of the Lord, such as the one we observe today, the dedicated preface for the Eucharistic Prayer gives us insight into the meaning of what we are celebrating. To this end we can read in the Second Reading: "In former generations this mystery was not made known to humanity as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: that the gentiles have become fellow heirs, members of the same body, and sharers in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel." (Eph 3: 5-6) We are then told in the Preface for the Epiphany: "For today you have revealed the mystery of our salvation in Christ as light to the nations, and, when he appeared in our mortal nature, you made us new by the glory of his immortal nature." (Roman Missal) Thus, there are two aspects to the feast. First, the elevation of human nature through the Incarnation which brings about divinization. Second, the unification of humanity as this offer of eternal life is made not just to the Jews but to the whole of humanity. Both the shepherds, who received their revelation through the angels, and the Magi, who received their revelation through the star, are moved to find the Christ child and do him homage. This encounter changes them. The former: "... returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them" (Lk 2:20) while the Magi: "... knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road." (Mtt 2:11-12) Having encountered the Christ child their lives would not be the same. Are we changed by our celebration of Christmas and the Epiphany? Are we caught up in the mystery of the Incarnation? Or do we trudge back to our ordinary, everyday life as if nothing has changed?