be an epiphany
"Rise up in splendor! Your light has come, the glory of the Lord shines upon you." —Isaiah 60:1
We, as the Church, exist to evangelize (On Evangelization, Pope Paul VI, 14). Therefore, this solemn celebration of the Epiphany proclaims the meaning of our lives; to take the gospel "even to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8). This makes Epiphany the most important day of the Christmas season. "See, darkness covers the earth, and thick clouds cover the peoples; but upon you the Lord shines, and over you appears His glory" (Is 60:2).
Therefore, "rise up in splendor!" (Is 60:1) Be a witness for Jesus. Spread the good news to the ends of the earth. "Nations shall walk by your light, and kings by your shining radiance. Raise your eyes and look about" (Is 60:3-4). May your heart be moved with pity, for billions of people are "lying prostrate from exhaustion, like sheep without a shepherd" (Mt 9:36). "Beg the Harvest Master to send out laborers to gather His harvest" (Mt 9:38). By God's grace, answer your own prayer. Make your life an epiphany, a manifestation of Jesus' saving death and resurrection to the nations. "Then you shall be radiant at what you see, your heart shall throb and overflow" (Is 60:5). All nations shall come, "proclaiming the praises of the Lord" (Is 60:6). Happy Epiphany! Be an epiphany. Alleluia!
Prayer: Father, I praise Your Son Jesus, "the Light of the world" (Jn 8:12), for making me a light to the world (Mt 5:14).
Promise: "He shall have pity for the lowly and the poor; the lives of the poor he shall save." —Ps 72:13
Praise: Praise You, risen Jesus, "the King of kings and Lord of lords Who alone has immortality and Who dwells in unapproachable light" (1 Tm 6:15-16).
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our leaflet Mission Impossible or our audio tape AV 46-1 or video V-46.)
Rescript: †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General Archdiocese of Cincinnati, July 30, 2007
The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.