“The Greek term Epiphany meant a powerful entry, through one’s own merits, into the renown of the people, and referred to the arrival of a king in a city. It also served to indicate the appearance of a deity or a wondrous intervention by one. This feast originated in the Eastern churches in the second half of the 4th century, at the same time as Christmas in the West, and its purpose was to celebrate the birth and baptism of Christ. Subsequently, both feasts were celebrated everywhere, and the Epiphany remained in the East as a commemoration of the Baptism, while in the West it was intended to celebrate above all the arrival of the Magi, presented as the firstfruits of the Gentiles, with Jesus manifesting himself as the firstfruits of all peoples. Thus, the mystery hidden in God is revealed: ‘That the Gentiles also are co-heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Jesus Christ through the gospel.’ It is, therefore, a solemnity that transcends the specific theme of the Magi from the East, whose arrival is recalled in the Gospel reading and whose meaning is prophesied in the first reading and the responsorial psalm. The Epiphany of the Lord in the Roman liturgy has three moments: the Adoration of the Magi, the Baptism in the Jordan, and the Wedding at Cana.”
HAPPY THREE KINGS DAY!
