Epiphany means manifestation, and in today’s celebration, Holy Mother Church invites us to connect with the manifestation of Jesus Christ to the world after his birth. Following his glorious birth in Bethlehem, people from near and far began to sense and recognize his divine presence, including some kings and nobles, who came to worship Him (Matthew 2:1-12). The Gospel speaks today of the Magi from the East, learned and discerning seekers, who acknowledged Christ and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These gifts symbolized his kingship, his priestly role, and his suffering and death.
This feast invites us to reflect on what manifestation could mean for us at the beginning of a new year. In most areas of life, whether in business, ministry, or personal growth, people often initiate beginnings by planning, setting goals, and outlining strategies before moving into execution. Today’s celebration of Epiphany reminds us that manifestation usually comes not at the beginning, but after faithful effort, when our labor begins to bear fruit and our actions produce outcomes that change lives and transform communities.
Beloved brothers and sisters, this version of ultimate growth is the vision the Church sets before us as we begin a new year. It is a time to clarify our intentions, commit to our plans, and prepare ourselves to manifest to the world who and what Christ has already revealed to us. Jesus has made himself known today; today and tomorrow, we are called to make him known to the world through our lives. Let us therefore rise with purpose and resolve, for the time is now. As the prophet Isaiah proclaims, it is time to arise and shine, for your light has come (Isaiah 60:1). There is no room for delay because today beckons only for faithful action.
