January 6th

The Epiphany


The Sun of Justice that rose on Christmas morn did not shine on the Jews only. The light that shone upon the rejoicing earth was a light that was to enlighten the Gentiles as well as to be the glory of the people of Israel. The feast of the Epiphany was the declaration of the world-wide dominion of the new-born King. It proclaimed that the kingdoms of this world were to be the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ. Rejoice with the Infant King in His universal sovereignty, and pray that His Kingdom may speedily be acknowledged by all His subjects.

Those who came to visit Jesus on the Epiphany were three kings. They came as the representatives of all earthly monarchies. They came to do homage and to adore the universal King of the whole earth. What a shadow of a shade is all temporal dominion compared with the dominion of Jesus! What unlimited homage we all owe Him! How we should rejoice to acknowledge Him our King and Lord by our loyal obedience to Him!

This festival is especially the feast of those who were once outside the Church. We are all converts, at least by descent. Our ancestors were once pagans until the Vicar of Christ sent to our beloved country the Apostle who proclaimed to us the faith of Christ. This faith in many lands has faded now, and mockery sits on Juda's throne. Alas, to think that those who had the inheritance of the faith have lost it! How can I ever be grateful enough for the light that shines on me?




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