Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord: Call to look deeper

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus,

Introduction: Epiphany—More Than Seeing

"Epiphany" means "manifestation." But today’s feast tells us something deeper: What is revealed is not finished yet. Epiphany is not the end of revelation—it is the beginning of a deeper unveiling.

The Magi saw a child. But what they discovered was God.

Many can see Jesus. Only those who search deeply can recognize who He truly is.

The Readings Speak of a God Who Wants to Be Revealed

The prophet Isaiah proclaims:

“Rise up in splendor, Jerusalem! Your light has come.”

God is not hiding Himself. He wants to be found.

But light is useful only to those who open their eyes. Revelation demands response.

Epiphany teaches us that God manifests Himself to all, but not all recognize Him.

The Magi: Commitment to the Search of God’s Wisdom

The Magi did not belong to Israel. They did not have the Law or the Prophets. But they had a searching heart.

They saw a star—and they moved.

They left comfort. They crossed borders. They endured uncertainty.

God cannot be found by curiosity alone. He is found by commitment.

One cannot reach Epiphany without the courage to journey.

Seeing the Child – Recognizing God

When the Magi arrive, they do not find a palace. They find a child with His mother.

Nothing extraordinary to human eyes. Yet they fall down and worship.

Epiphany reminds us: God does not reveal Himself through power, but through poverty, humility, and simplicity.

To recognize God, one must learn to see with the heart.

Herod: Knowledge Without Conversion

Herod knew the Scriptures. The scholars knew the place. But none of them went to see.

This is a serious warning: One can know about God and still remain far from Him.

Epiphany challenges us: Do we seek God, or only speak about Him?

Gifts That Reveal the Heart

The Magi offer gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Not because the child needed them— but because they themselves needed to surrender.

True encounter with Christ always leads to offering: our time, our plans, our securities, our lives.

Searching That Changes Direction

There is a story of a man who spent years searching for meaning through success and possessions. Only when life stripped him of these did he discover God quietly waiting within. Like the Magi, he returned home by another way.

Epiphany always changes direction.

Conclusion: What Is Still to Be Manifested?

Today, Epiphany asks us:

Are we willing to search for God beyond appearances?

Do we stop at seeing Jesus, or do we worship Him?

Are we ready to return “by another way”?

The feast reminds us: God reveals Himself, but only the committed discover Him.

May we not be satisfied with seeing the Child, but be transformed by encountering the Living God.

Amen.