As the dawn of a new year unfolds, it’s time to revisit one of Christianity’s oldest and most profound celebrations: Epiphany. This ancient festival holds a timeless message.

Ostensibly, it is known as the day when the Magi, or three wise men, visited Jesus in Bethlehem. At its heart, Epiphany is a moment of divine revelation, celebrating the divinity of the Son of God whose message of love has reached beyond the Jewish community to all of humanity. It’s a story that has echoed down through centuries, a narrative of inclusivity and universal brotherhood. The word, Epiphany, means to “shine forth,” and the message of Jesus shines forth as a universal call to all mankind, transcending all borders and distinctions.

But what does Epiphany mean for us today? This ancient truth holds the mirror up to our current culture, where depth and meaning are frequently eclipsed by a relentless tide of disposability and surface-level engagement. In a world where the transient overshadows the eternal, where the superficial drowns out the profound, Epiphany stands as a reminder of the enduring power of personal transformation. It dares us to look beyond a disposable culture that ensnares us, urging us to find deeper meaning in our lives.

Our world is saturated with words — words that often ring hollow, serving agendas rather than truths, creating noise rather than harmony. In this cacophony, the essence of Epiphany invites us to listen to a different kind of word, the Word made flesh in Bethlehem that leads to personal growth. It calls us to discern not just with our minds and ears, but with our hearts.

Epiphany challenges us to move beyond a notional assent to religious doctrine to a real, practical acceptance of Christ, as eloquently distinguished by Cardinal Newman. It’s one thing to acknowledge doctrine superficially, quite another to embody it in the fiber of one’s being. Real assent is not just agreeing with the gospel message; it’s allowing it to take root in our lives, transforming us, guiding our actions and shaping how we treat others. This season of Epiphany inspires each of us to discover our sense of meaning where the gospel becomes a living, breathing part of our existence, enriching all our relationships.

This discovery is unique to each individual, yet it converges on a common path — living a life that reflects the core teachings of Christ. It’s about authenticity, where what shines through is not a mere reflection of societal norms, but a testament to a personal relationship with Christ. 

As we step into this New Year, embracing the spirit of Epiphany can be a most rewarding journey. It’s a journey towards the self, away from the ego towards a life that is less about consumption and more about contribution, less about what we take and more about what we give.

As we embark on this journey, let’s cherish the truth that every person is significant with unique gifts to offer. May the light of Epiphany illuminate our paths, leading us to live in ways that are uniquely ours, resonating with the message of universal love and inclusion embodied by Jesus.

Wishing you a Happy Epiphany and a Happy New Year.

—Fr. Hugh Duffy