The Epiphany is about the divine mysteries becoming known.

Today we celebrate “the Manifestation.” That’s what Epiphany means. What was once concealed is now revealed. So what exactly is this manifestation, and where do we look for it?

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem a band of scholars arrived in Jerusalem from the East. They asked, “Where can we find and pay homage to the newborn King of the Jews? We observed a star in the eastern sky that signaled his birth. We’re on pilgrimage to worship him.”

My grandmother had the largest nativity scene I’ve ever seen. Her family would tease her that the entire population of Bethlehem was represented by the number of figurines that covered a sideboard—and even extended to other nearby tables. Three wise men? Try 12.

The celebration of the Epiphany of the Lord offers us a vision justice and peace. We pray for the healing of all division and violence.

No one likes to see the holidays end. Historically, Christmas is part of a much larger season of Manifestation, including what we now call Epiphany, the Baptism of the Lord, and the wedding feast of Cana.

Lord Jesus . . . . every presence makes me feel that you are near; every touch is the touch of your hand; every necessity transmits to me a pulse of your will. —Pierre Teilhard de Chardin (1881-1955)