HOMILY
Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord – January 4, 2026
For much of the world, Christmas is over for another year. Trees have been packed away or tossed in the trash. And Valentine’s Day cards can be found in most every store. But for us, as Christians, there is still more to come. Today, the Catholic Church in our land anticipates the great Christmas feast of the Epiphany of the Lord, traditionally celebrated on January 6.
Most of us are quite familiar with the legendary presence of the wise men from manger scenes in our churches and homes. We can sing the words of the popular hymn “We Three Kings” from memory. We know the gifts they brought as they followed the Christmas star to the place of the Nativity: gold, frankincense and myrrh. While the scriptures don’t claim that there were, in fact, three kings, we know the names that tradition has customarily given to them: Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar. And many of us are so enamored by the arrival of the magi to worship the newborn Christ, that we reenact their journey and move their images from room to room in our homes until they finally arrive at the stable in Bethlehem on today’s feast.
What is it that we find so appealing about this Solemnity? Why do we know the story so well?
A few years before his passing, Pope Francis reflected upon the Solemnity of the Epiphany. With his typical penchant for practical wisdom and insight, Francis noted that while the magi raised their eyes to the heavens and the star that beckoned them to follow, their feet were firmly planted on the earth for the journey they had undertaken.
You see, the magi were individuals who, despite their great wealth and power, were unfulfilled – like so many of us. As such, knowing well that their desire to experience a life of meaning, purpose and peace would hardly be fulfilled in possessions, power and prestige, they were willing to open their lives and hearts to whatever it was that might be able to provided them with the fulfillment that they sought so desperately. They were even open to looking to the heavens – to a power bigger than themselves that we know as God – to discover a way forward.
And they found that “way.” They stepped out in faith to follow a star, not knowing where it would take them or what it would reveal. But they would soon discover, much to their surprise, that all that they sought in life would be found in something quite unexpected: a child born in a stable, of all places – born to bring the life, love and mercy of God to our world.
The real blessing of the magi for us, however, is discovered not only in the risk that they took in searching the stars and opening their hearts to the grace of God. The relationship that began with their willingness to set aside their own sense of sufficiency and to trust in the power of God as they looked to the heavens for strength and direction only deepened as they encountered the Christ-child. And that relationship, as it grew, yielded to something more. They soon understood that it was not enough for them to simply entertain some vague idea about God. In their own way, they discovered the need to submit themselves to the ever-present call to discipleship that God speaks to every heart that is open and seeks a way forward in life.
In so many respects, brothers and sisters, the true gift of the magi for us is discovered in the risk that they took to open their hearts to the grace of God. While their spirits were undoubtedly lifted through their encounter with the living God, they quickly understood that they were given a responsibility to bring the light of the star that they followed into the darkness of their world experience.
Pope Francis put it best, “Let us keep our feet journeying in this earth! The gift of faith was given to us not to keep gazing at the heavens, but to journey along the roads of the world as witnesses to the Gospel. The light that illumines our life, the Lord Jesus, was given to us not to warm our nights, but to let rays of light break through the dark shadows that envelop so many situations in our societies. We find the God who comes down to visit us, not by basking in some elegant religious theory, but by setting out on a journey, seeking the signs of his presence in everyday life, and above all in encountering and touching the flesh of our brothers and sisters. Contemplating God is beautiful, but it is only fruitful if we take a risk, the risk of serving the lives that God brings to us.”
My friends, the message of this great feast of Epiphany – which is at once both consoling and challenging – reminds us that Jesus did not remain in Bethlehem forever. He went forth to embrace the work given to him by his Father – a mission grounded in humble service – unconditional, sacrificial love – and unlimited forgiveness and compassion – regardless of race, language, societal status or cultural background. Every life is worthy and valued because of the incarnation of Jesus.
That mission is our mission, as disciples of Jesus – a mission that demands that we move outside of ourselves to serve not only those who worship with us today with reverence and devotion – but also the suffering poor who are unable to find their way to a church – refugees and immigrants seeking a better life – victims of violence, terrorism and war throughout our world, even in our own land – and the magi of our time: every soul who seeks meaning, purpose and a way forward in life through an encounter with the living God – including you and me.
So many of you from around our diocese who join us for this Mass understand well the mission that we have been given by Jesus. Through your generosity, you enable this local Church to serve the many lives that God places within our care. But more importantly, you powerfully give witness to the very faith that the magi sought in your service of your brothers and sisters.
May God continue to fill our hearts with gratitude for all we have been given and may we come to know the peace that is promised to every soul who seeks the Lord and follows his star in wonder and with hope.