What is the significance of the Solemnity of the Epiphany?
The word “Epiphany” (from the Greek language) means MANIFESTATION. In the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord we celebrate the the manifestation of Jesus as Messiah of Israel, Son of God and Savior of the world.
The great feast of Epiphany celebrates the adoration of Jesus by the wise men (magi) from the East….In the magi, representatives of the neighboring pagan religions, the Gospel sees the first-fruits of the nations, who welcome the good news of salvation through the Incarnation. The magi’s coming to Jerusalem in order to pay homage to the king of the Jews shows that they seek in Israel, in the messianic light of the star of David, the one who will be king of the nations (Catechism of the Catholic Church n. 528).
Prayer: “O God, who by the direction of a star didst this day manifest thy only Son to the Gentiles; mercifully grant, that we, who now know thee by faith, may come at length to see the glory of thy Majesty.”
