Epiphany Year B 

Isaiah 60:1–6

Psalm 72:1–2, 7–8, 10–11, 12–13

Ephesians 3:2–3a, 5–6

Matthew 2:1–12


The call to unity is of the utmost importance in our time. Paul acknowledges that the message that has been entrusted to his stewardship is the simple fact that all human beings are called to be one:

“It has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: that the Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and copartners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.”

Paul’s acceptance of his stewardship and the conversion from his prior way of thinking are a model for us today. When he first began as a Pharisee, according to Paul’s own account of himself, he was zealous for an understanding of the law, that is, the revelation of God through the Torah, and for the practices of his own people. He saw the members of “the Way,” the first followers of the Gospel, as getting God wrong, and he believed that they were a threat.

After his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus, he recognized that there had been a blindness in his own understanding. Now, as he writes to the Ephesians, who live in a cosmopolitan city that includes both Jews and Gentiles, he sees that God’s vision for humanity is wider that what he first believed.

Pope Francis has often commented that we do not live in an era of change, but in a change of era. Something new is happening to all of us. It is not in any way a rejection of the trajectory of history or what has happened before. Rather, it is an invitation to a new way of seeing. The Feast of the Epiphany can serve to open us to an understanding concerning how this might unfold.

The Epiphany points to three moments in the life of Jesus: the coming of the Magi, the baptism of the Lord by John in the Jordan and to the self-revelation of Jesus at the Wedding Feast of Cana. Each of these moments offers some insight into God’s way of making Himself known to us.

The Magi represent the world’s attention to the hidden Presence of the One Who fulfills both the promise of the Messiah for the Jews and the “desire of nations,” the longing of every human heart for salvation.

Gold shows Him as king, that is, as a leader Who has real authority over every part of humanity. Frankincense acknowledges the presence of God in Him. Incense rises as prayer and connects earthly aspirations to heaven. Myrrh points to the meaning of sacrifice and suffering, leading to glory.

The Magi come from the East, having watched for signs in nature as to a fulfillment. Passing through Jerusalem, they learn of Israel’s prophecy as to where the Messiah would be born. Returning home by a different route, they show that they have learned how to be open to divine guidance from within, having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod.

We must carry with us our hopes and dreams, but we must also acknowledge that what is to come will be different than our expectations.

At His baptism, Jesus was manifested as “the Beloved Son.” This was the opening of His public ministry and a first revelation to others of the communion of life shared by the Triune God. The Father names His Son in our humanity. The Spirit descends upon Him and drives Him into the depth of human experience – temptation in the desert, suffering and death so that He may bring us the gift of salvation, fulfilling His purpose among us.

The revelation of His glory to the disciples present at Cana leads to the beginning of their faith in Him as the Messiah. The first of His signs drew them into the stewardship of the mystery entrusted to them.

As we acknowledge Jesus for Who He Is among us on Epiphany, let us allow the Spirit to open our eyes to discover anew our unity with God in Christ. May this realization open us ever more to respond with a commitment to live in unity with God and with all human beings who are destined for glory.

Let us begin to see that every nation on earth will adore Him and to live in hope, fulfilling our own stewardship of the mystery now revealed to us.