By Fr. Ed Liptak, SDB –
English doesn’t hesitate to steal words from many languages, like the Greek word, ‘epiphany. Example: “At Bible Study, I have one epiphany after another.” This is a fine English statement. It means that I enjoy one bright revelation after another. In our liturgy, we are enlightened by several manifestations of God to humanity. At the Baptism, God revealed Himself by His voice and the Dove above the head of Jesus. Jesus revealed His divine power by changing the water into wine at Cana. The manifestation of light and angels singing led the shepherds to Bethlehem.
Today, we attempt to take a single thought to pray over, using each reading of the Epiphany, the Revelation to the Nations. During Christmastide, God manifested Himself to the world in Jesus. That season ends on the Sunday after Epiphany, Baptism of the Lord. Then come the first few Sundays after Epiphany, Ordinary Time.
Now, stirred by the Epiphany readings, we pray:
- From Isaiah: “Rise up in splendor Jerusalem! Your light has come, the glory of the Lord shines upon you.”…Lord, help us accept what Isaiah says about the Holy City as said of the Holy Church. Jesus, be the light illuminating the darkness all around the City. Do shine in us, for we are your Church. May Your presence, revealed in our lives, attract others to You as were the Wise Men. Amen.
- St. Paul: You are “coheirs, members of the same body, and copartners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.” … Dear God, St. Paul was steward of your promise of salvation to the Church. We accept the truth that together, we are members of the One Body of Christ. Help us live by faith as ‘coheirs’ with Christ and together lead us to inherit Heaven. Amen.
- Matthew’s Gospel: “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.” In our own way, Jesus, we, too, have found You once again at Christmastide. Some hostile people may mock our faith in you. Let them! We believe. Save us! Amen.