It is 5th January 2020. We celebrate the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord. The readings are from Isaiah 60:1-6; the second reading is from Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6; and the Gospel from Matthew 2:1-12. The Catechism No.528 teaches us: “The Epiphany is the manifestation of Jesus as Messiah of Israel, Son of God and Saviour of the world. The great feast of Epiphany celebrates the adoration of Jesus by the wise men (magi) from the East, together with his baptism in the Jordan and the wedding feast at Cana in Galilee… Their coming means that pagans can discover Jesus and worship him as Son of God and Saviour of the world only by turning towards the Jews and receiving from them the messianic promise as contained in the Old Testament. The Epiphany shows that “the full number of the nations” now takes its “place in the family of the patriarchs”, and is made “worthy of the heritage of Israel”. The revelation of the Second Person of the Most Holy Trinity to those who were seeking Him was not a favour from God but it is the approval and appreciation for those who tirelessly seeking and obeying God be reward like Caspar, Balthasar and Melchior. The first reading speaks about the promised glory that is shining on us even though the world around is in darkness. “But upon you the Lord shines, and over you appears His glory.” (Is.60:2). God is the ever-shining light in our life. The inner light we got through the sacrament of Baptism shines us always to come closer to Christ. God’s love and light is not reserved to the believers only. Our personal initiatives and interests in living and searching for light and love of God around us will help us reach what we are seeking with intense desire. Truth and light attract human souls searching for the same and allow them to present the best from them. “They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall proclaim the praise of the Lord.” (Is.60:6). The responsorial Psalm praises, “Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.” (Ps.72:11). St. Paul reiterates in the second reading about the God’s inclusiveness in revealing himself through the Good News. “As it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: that the Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and co-partners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.” (Eph.3:6). God reveals himself without reservation and condition. God manifests universally. Grace, peace and truth comes through the incarnation of Begotten Son of God. The Gospel describes the visit of three Wise Men representing Jews and Non-Jews. The infant king and the Lord is worshiped by the people of goodwill. Seeking God must culminate in presenting ourselves with the best we have in our lives. Our homage to Jesus needs to be filled with the gifts of the spirit and of the body. We will all be guided by the power of the Holy Spirit, if we are seeking the Light, Life and the Way that is Jesus himself. Just like the Magi we must make efforts to meet Jesus with whatever it takes. For God, there is no foreign land and foreigner and outsiders. God reveals Himself through His Son Jesus in many ways. We need to be open and inclusive in accepting the manifestation of God in humble expressions of human life. Our inner beings will never be settled until it finds rest in the light of God. No human person can choose to live in darkness and ignorance permanently. We are all on a journey to face the light of Christ somewhere along the road of life. We have not given the homage that is worthy of Jesus so far in our lives. The pursuit of truth cannot deny or diminish the existence and privileges of the other. Human reason alone is not enough to arrive at the Truth, we need profound faith in God. Today’s celebration teaches us to go after truth rather to be settled down with our selfishness, self-sufficient attitude of attaining truth within our comfort spaces. The celebration of life and freedom becomes a reality when we have encountered the ultimate truth, God himself. Let us not do or say anything to suppress or run away from truth like that of king Herod. Without love for the Son of God, Jesus, we cannot discover Truth. God’s love and truth go after each other. Through the sacrament of reconciliation, let us be at peace with God and one another by unbiased love. It is the perfect time to rediscover our faith and love for God. Through this solemnity, God has unveiled the darkness in our life. May our faith help someone to enjoy the shining rays of Christ in their life. “The brightness of God illumined the holy city Jerusalem, and the nations will walk by its light.” (Rev. 21.23). May you all have a good day. God bless you.