On this the first Sunday liturgy of 2025, we celebrate the Epiphany of the Lord, which is a
significant feast in the Roman Catholic Church meant to emphasize the appearance of the Lord to the Gentiles by the visit of Magi (Wise Men or royalty) to infant Jesus. The Epiphany calls us to acknowledge the manifestation of the Christ as the son of God to all the nations. Our Catholic traditions calls us to highlight several leading aspects of this feast:

1. Revelation of Christ: we under stand this as the revelation of Jesus as the Messiah
not only to the Jews but to all humanity. The Magi’s journey from the East symbolize the
recognition of Christ by the Gentiles.

2. Worship and Adoration: The Magi bring gifts of gold, frankincense, and m yr r h,
each symbolizing different aspects of Christ’s identity. Gold represents His Kingship, frankincense His divinity, and myrrh foreshadows His suffering and death. This act of presenting gifts is a form of worship and adoration, underscoring Christ’s divine nature.

3. God’s Universal Call: The Epiphany reflects God ’s desire for all people to know Him
and come to faith in Jesus Christ. It serves as a reminder that the message of salvation is in-
tended for everyone, regardless of their background or nationality.

4. Liturgical Celebrations: This Sunday’s Epiphany celebration provides for special liturgical celebrations in various cultures, including but not limited to the blessing of water and the observance of the Baptism of the Lord and other cultural activities.

5. Reflection on Mission: The feast encourages Catholics to reflect on their ow n
mission to share the Gospel with others, following the example of the Magi who sought out
Jesus and spread the news of His birth.

As a profound feast in the Church, the Epiphany of the Lord reveals the universal nature of
Christ’s mission and invites all of the faithful to recognize and honor Him as the Savior of all