Homily, Epiphany 2025
From The Pastor
For some reason, I was struck by the fact that the Epiphany of the Lord celebrated today is a Solemnity. A Solemnity is a liturgical celebration of the highest importance in proclaiming the mysteries of Christ. There are about twenty Solemnities in the Church year that honor the work of Creation, Incarnation, Redemption, the roles and titles of Mary, as well as other titles and works of God in Christ.
Why is the Epiphany of the Lord a Solemnity? Epiphany honors the revelation of the Divinity of the Child Jesus. Christmas is a magnanimous feast. Too much to pack into one day. Christmas day celebrates God becoming man through the womb of the Virgin Mary as proclaimed in John’s gospel “And the Word became Flesh.” The impact of this mystery deserves a day to itself. God comes to earth as a human being, sharing our nature in all things but sin.
Inclusively within Christmas the feast, Epiphany celebrates the Divinity of Jesus conveyed through the experience of the Magi. Remaining fully Divine, becoming fully human, God humbles the Divine nature to share our experience and to redeem all humanity. The day is celebrated as a Solemnity because this doctrine of our faith is of the highest importance as we come to realize the identity and mission of this newborn child as Lord and Redeemer.
The revelation of Jesus is further revealed at his Baptism and through the Wedding feast at Cana. Each of these events have their own expression. Epiphany acclaims the Divinity of Jesus through the Magi who symbolize the universal nature of redemption. Non-Jews, astrologers from a foreign land represent peoples of all nations. They bow low before Jesus in homage and adoration offering gifts that reveal his identity and nature as healer and King.
The Baptism of Jesus further expresses the identity of Jesus through the sighting of a dove representing the Holy Spirit, and the voice of the Father acclaiming: “This is my beloved Son with whom I am well pleased.” God himself tells us who Jesus is, then commissions him in the Holy Spirit to go forth to fulfill his mission. All of this is in anticipation of the Lord’s Passion.
Lastly, the power of Jesus confirms his identity as the Divine Son in the works he accomplishes. The works are never for their own sake. The Wedding at Cana in Galilee symbolized the marriage of God and humanity; heaven united to earth in the person of Jesus whose life is given to set us free. The abundant multiplication of wine, foreshadowing the blood of Jesus shed to forgive sin, symbolizes Jesus taking our human nature into himself as he journeys to the Cross.
Inclusive of each of these encounters, it is obvious why this feast is celebrated as a Solemnity. How can we make this more human and relatable in our lives? It may seem these Divine encounters are miles away and seemingly unrelated to our daily experience of faith. I suggest otherwise.
The Magi were seekers, Jesus is called the Beloved One, and Jesus goes to a wedding to reveal a love beyond the newlyweds. How might we recognize similar events in our lives? Do not leave your faith on the pages of the bible or in a back corner of your head. Bring them into your life experience.
As an animated, engaged human being, what are you looking for, what do you seek, and most deeply desire? Love, goodness, peace, understanding, deeper meaning or purpose in life? Is there a hidden Magi in you who seeks a larger truth that reveals and satisfies your deeper longings? Ponder this. I bet this is true.
Jesus was baptized. You are baptized. Jesus was filled and directed by the Holy Spirit. You have the same Holy Spirit. In your prayer, can you hear or imagine the words of the Father spoken to you? This was the intention. As for Jesus, so for all of us. You are a beloved of God with whom God is well pleased. Can you ponder this as Mary pondered the message of the Angel at the Annunciation? Claim it. God sees you as a beloved one.
Lastly, we have all been to weddings. We all have had a little wine, or more than a little as we honor and celebrate the new couple. Haven’t you felt a warmth in your heart, a stirred moment of beauty and love as you gazed at the couple and resonated with the commitment of their wedding vows? I bet you have. Jesus did the same. He laughed, loved, and shared his human life with others around him. Through his sharing, others came to see his Divine nature and the power of its truth. Through your baptism you share the Divine nature. How do you reveal the light, love, and goodness of Jesus to those around you?
This is not only possible, it is our call and our joy. Your life can be a solemnity of great importance as you witness to the presence of Christ for the good of others. In doing so, your deepest desires will be satisfied.
Father John Esper
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