"The twelve days of Christmas come to an end on
January 6, and the season of the Epiphany begins. But Epiphany not only ends
Christmas, it also fulfills it by celebrating the revelation of the Christ
to the whole world. The coming of Incarnate God to all people, especially to
those of us who are Gentiles, is the bridge from birth into life, the event
that makes Easter possible for most of us. The light of the Epiphany
illuminates the church’s year as it illuminates the human race from whom the
kings came."
Phyllis Tickle
"The word ‘epiphany’ means ‘to show forth.’
Epiphanies, both large and small, tend to be private events – yet events
with great significance for the public. Trying to share the details with
another of an epiphany is fraught with complications. The words are never
quite right, and even the most sympathetic listener cannot fully bridge the
gap between description and what is was like being there. Most of us keep
our personal experiences of the Holy to ourselves. Who would believe it? And
who would really understand? The irony is that epiphanies are made for
sharing, even as they are impossible to communicate fully.…
"Unlike the poor shepherds, the Magi had to travel a
long road; they had to face adversity to reach their goal. It was anything
but a romantic, sentimental pilgrimage that we often see in our manger
scenes!…
"The experience of the magi reminds us that all who
make the tedious journey to the truth will finally encounter it and be
changed in the process. They can never go back to a ‘business as usual’ way
of life. When we meet Christ and see who he really is, we will never be the
same – and only then can we hope to begin to share in his mission.…"
Father Thomas Rosica,
CSB
