Epiphany

 Epiphany

The word, Epiphany, means "manifestation." As a church festival, the Epiphany celebrates the manifestation of Jesus to all the world. The scripture readings for the day are usually focused on either the adoration of the Magi or on the baptism of Jesus. Both are "manifestations."

The Magi were not really kings, but priests and astrologers from "the East", most likely Persia, which was the deadly enemy and rival of the Roman Empire. A long series of wars were fought between the Persians and the Romans (even the Byzantine Empire which saw itself as "Roman"), up to the rise of Islam. For non-Roman and hostile religious officials from a non-Jewish people to come and pay homage to the "King of the Jews" would be a scandal and politically touchy issue. Yet there they are, in Matthew's Gospel, presenting gifts fit for a king - gold, incense, and bitter herbs - to a poor king born in a stable.

The festival is also attached to the baptism of Jesus, where Jesus is proclaimed the Son of God "in whom I am well pleased." (Matthew 3:17b) Here the presence of God is manifested in Jesus among the sinners and the poor, among those who were looking for salvation. Yet there he is, among the needy and searching.

If we are needy and searching, if we seem to be out of place at times, it is there that Jesus is with us. Never fear!