2026 Cycle A - The Epiphany

Readings

The Epiphany

Isa 60:1-6; Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13; Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6; Matt 2:1-12

Homily Theme

Light in the Darkness

The feast of the Epiphany is celebrated this Sunday. In many countries this is when Christians give gifts to each other in imitation of the Magi who came with gifts for the Christ Child. The pagan Magi came from the East, searching for this divine child following the light of a star. The Magi, who were astrologers, traveled far in their search which took them to the palace of King Herod. As a Jew, the King sought guidance from his Jewish priests and scribes and even though they shed light upon this prophesied future king who was to be born in Bethlehem; Herod remained in the darkness, as did most of the people at that time. After two over  thousand years and much light shed upon our world by the many Christian Saints and miracles they performed, most of our world chooses to remain in darkness too. They still haven’t found the Christ Child.

 Several years ago, I had the good fortune to be in Mexico City during this feast, which they call the feast of the three Kings. During the meal at a restaurant, three men dressed as kings entered carrying the gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. They went from table to table asking, “Have you found the Christ Child?” Outside in the streets there was much merriment and joy for the celebration. This was an Epiphany I will never forget. I could see by their excitement and joy, they had found the Christ Child as they danced and sang in the light of many candles.

 At our baptism, the priest gave us a candle as he told us to receive the light of Christ. Many have allowed that light to be extinguished and have returned to a life in the darkness of disbelief. Most of us will remember the song we learned as a child and sang, ‘This little light of mine I’m going to let it shine’.  Hopefully you have a manger scene in your home with the three Magi in adoration of the Christ Child. I would suggest, that you gather around it tonight in darkness, with lighted candles as you sing that song again with all its verses.  Proclaim to your family, young and old, that you have found the Christ Child.  Spend some time with Him in a family prayer. It will be a lasting memory for your grandchildren of Epiphany for years to come. In future years they will recall the night when they gathered together and prayed as a family with the Magi. It could be the start of a family tradition for generations to come.  They will never forget the night they  saw….the Christ Child…

 The Light in the Darkness