Read This Beautiful Reflection on the Mystery of Epiphany

Before the "reforms" of 1955, today was the Fifth Day Within the Octave of the Epiphany. Sadly, most of the Octaves were suppressed in that so-called reform.

From Aleteia

By Philip Kosloski

There is much to unpack on the feast of the Epiphany, reflecting on the spiritual symbolism of this momentous day in Jesus' life.

Often, it is helpful to linger a little while longer on the spiritual depth of a particular feast day. Epiphany is one such day -- a day we often pass by on our way back to "normal" from Christmas vacation.

One way to pause for a moment on this feast is to read the following sermon by St. Peter Chrysologus, a bishop from the 4th century. He is a Doctor of the Church and his writings continue to inspire people thousands of years after his life.

Wonder of the Magi

St. Peter takes some time to consider how the Magi felt when encountering the Christ Child, "Today the Magi find, crying in a manger, the one they have followed as he shone in the sky. Today the Magi see clearly, in swaddling clothes, the one they have long awaited as he lay hidden among the stars."

The Magi were also waiting for a "messiah," a king who would bring peace to the world. A star led them to that King and their hearts were filled with joy.

St. Peter continues, "Today the Magi gaze in deep wonder at what they see: heaven on earth, earth in heaven, man in God, God in man, one whom the whole universe cannot contain now enclosed in a tiny body. As they look, they believe and do not question, as their symbolic gifts bear witness: incense for God, gold for a king, myrrh for one who is to die."

How often do we "gaze in deep wonder" at the mystery of the Incarnation? Epiphany and the whole Christmas season should provoke in us a desire to gaze at Jesus, looking at him tenderly with great love in our hearts.

This encounter of the Magi also reminds us how important this moment was in Salvation History, "So the Gentiles, who were the last, become the first: the faith of the Magi is the first fruits of the belief of the Gentiles."

Our own inclusion in God's saving plan was inaugurated by the Magi, showing the world that Gentiles are to be welcomed into God's kingdom.

Epiphany is a beautiful feast, one that we should take some time to digest the profound spiritual depths that are present within it.