SOLEMNITY OF EPIPHANY OF THE LORD: Homily by Fr Isaac Chima
Theme: A Call to Be Reflectors of Christ’s Light to
the World
Readings: Is. 60:1–6; Eph. 3:2–3a,5–6; Mt. 2:1–12
Dear friends, the solemnity of the Epiphany of
the Lord Jesus Christ is a great celebration for all of us. The word Epiphany
comes from Greek and means “manifestation” or “revelation.” In this solemnity,
we celebrate the revelation of Christ to the whole world—to the Gentiles, to
all of us who, in the understanding of the Jews of that time, belonged to the
Gentile world. We see this in the manifestation of Christ’s star to the Magi,
the three Gentile kings who came from the East to visit the newborn Jesus.
The solemnity of Epiphany is a celebration of
divine inclusiveness. In this feast, God reveals Himself beyond the borders of
Israel. It is a celebration of divine outreach, reminding us that all humanity
belongs to God and that every person—regardless of race, tribe, colour, or
tradition—is invited to share in the joy of the Incarnation, the birth of
Christ. It is a universal celebration, proclaiming that God has come to show
His love to the whole world, for “He so loved the world that He gave His only Son
for its redemption.” Epiphany celebrates the expansive nature of God’s
salvation and the truth that His reign reaches beyond every boundary.
Today’s Gospel offers us important lessons for
the new year.
Dear friends, the Lord has been revealed to us
in this Christmas season, and His light has shone upon us, as this feast
proclaims. Christ wants His light to shine in the world through us. In today’s
Gospel, the Magi became the first point of contact between Christ and their
nations; they carried His light back to their people. One of the challenges of
our world today is that many Christians are shy or afraid to share Christ’s
light. Anti-life policies spread in governments because many Christians in leadership
fail to reflect Christ’s teaching. Some remain silent out of fear of criticism;
others choose the darkness for the sake of money or fame. Dear brothers and
sisters, Christ calls us to be the prism that reflects the light of His
teaching into the world’s policies and decisions.
Many of our friends do not come to church
because those of us who do often fail to reflect Christ’s light to them. Put
simply, our lives do not always communicate Christ’s teachings, and our actions
do not draw others toward Him or His Church.
Perhaps you have noticed that many Christians
hesitate to speak about Christ to their friends. They prefer silence rather
than risk losing friendships or causing offense, even when those friends
promote ideas contrary to the Christian faith. Dear friends, Epiphany
challenges us to be a point of contact between Christ and those who do not come
to church. Let our vocation this year be to bring Christ’s light to our
friends, illuminating their hearts and lives with the Christian message. Let us
be the “Bible” our non‑churchgoing friends can read.
The second lesson is that the Gospel shows us
the best way to encounter Jesus. The Magi approached Him with the finest gifts
of their culture—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—symbolic offerings for the
newborn King. Dear friends, God has blessed us with many talents and gifts, and
He wants us to come to Him each day with the best of what He has given us. Our
voices for reading and singing, our musical skills, our intelligence for
teaching, and our ability to lead—these are all beautiful gifts from God. He
wants us to use them to build up the Christian community, our families, and
society. Sadly, many people use their talents to create division and confusion.
Today, the Church invites us to use our gifts to promote peace, love, and unity
in the Church, in our families, and in the wider society.
Peace be with you. Happy Solemnity
of Epiphany.
Fr. Isaac Chinemerem Chima
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