The word Epiphany comes from Greek, whose meaning is ‘revelation’, which in these Christmas times alludes to the revelation that the wise men of the East received about the birth of the King among the Jews. We must emphasize that the wise men of the East not only recognize Jesus Christ as King but as prophet and high priest, due to the nature of the offerings presented when they arrived at the place where the baby Jesus was (Matthew 2:11).
The wise men from the east made the pilgrimage to Judea to worship the King following the light of the star that appeared in the sky (Matthew 2:1-2). Likewise, we make the pilgrimage from our homes to the new Jerusalem, the temple of God, following the light of Jesus Christ; to worship Him, recognize Him as King, Priest and Prophet, and enter in communion with Him.
But we must ask ourselves, why do we do it? Have we really had the revelation that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the one who takes away the sin of the world? Do we truly believe that the consecrated bread and wine are now His Body and Blood?
Let us take advantage of this time to meditate on these questions, and ask the Holy Spirit for the gift of understanding and just as the light of a star revealed the birth and royal lineage of our Lord, so also, may the light of the Gospel reveal in us the divine nature of our Lord Jesus Christ, to be able to receive Him in body, blood, soul and divinity in Holy Communion.
Just as the wise men of the East recognized in Jesus Christ the promised Messiah, God’s new alliance with the whole world, let us also recognize the body and blood of Jesus in the consecrated bread and wine, source of eternal life, which was offered as a sacrifice for the forgiveness of our sins so we can achieve eternal life.