Homily for Sunday, January 4, 2026
Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord
Isaiah 60:1-6 | Psalm 72 | Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6 | Matt.2:1-12
Brothers and sisters,
The Epiphany is not simply a beautiful story about wise men, stars, and gifts.
It is a revelation—an unveiling.
Today, God reveals not only who Jesus is, but why He has come—and who we are meant to be because of Him.
The prophet Isaiah cries out with urgency and hope:
“Arise! Shine, for your light has come!”
This is not a gentle suggestion. It is a command.
Because the world Isaiah describes is one, we recognize very well:
“Darkness covers the earth, and thick clouds cover the peoples.”
Darkness today wears many faces—fear, division, war, loneliness, injustice, despair.
Yet God does not respond to darkness with condemnation.
God responds with light.
And not just any light—a Child.
The Star Still Shines
In the Gospel, the Magi come from afar. They are outsiders. Foreigners. Seekers.
They are not religious insiders. They do not have Scripture memorized.
What they have is hunger—and the courage to follow a light they do not yet understand.
The star does not lead them to a palace of power, but to a house of humility.
Not to Herod, who is threatened by truth,
but to Mary, Joseph, and a Child who will change the world by love, not force.
And notice this:
The star does not speak.
It simply shines.
God’s light does not argue—it attracts.
It does not shout—it guides.
It does not coerce—it invites.
The Journey of Faith
The Epiphany reminds us that faith is not about having all the answers.
It is about moving, trusting, and walking—even when the road is long.
The Magi had to leave what was familiar.
They had to pass through uncertainty.
They had to kneel before a Child who looked nothing like a king.
And when they found Him, they offered gifts:
- Gold—because Jesus is King.
- Frankincense—because Jesus is God.
- Myrrh—because Jesus will suffer.
They gave what was precious.
And then Scripture tells us something quietly powerful:
“They returned home by another way.”
An encounter with Christ always changes our direction.
You cannot meet Jesus and remain the same.
Mystery Revealed
Saint Paul tells us today that this mystery—once hidden—has now been revealed:
that the Gentiles are co-heirs, members of the same body, and partners in the promise.
This means no one is outside God’s plan.
No one is invisible.
No one is beyond hope.
The Epiphany declares that God’s salvation is for all—for every nation, every culture, every broken heart, every searching soul.
You Are the Epiphany Now
Here is the challenge of today’s feast:
The world does not need more explanations of God.
The world needs epiphanies—manifestations of God’s love.
The star has not disappeared.
It has multiplied.
You are the light now.
When you choose mercy over judgment.
When you forgive when it costs you.
When you stand for justice quietly and faithfully.
When you show kindness in a world growing cold.
Isaiah’s words are no longer just prophecy—they are mission:
“Nations shall walk by your light.”
Someone is watching how you love.
Someone is navigating by your hope.
Someone is finding their way to God because you dared to shine.
A Final Invitation
Brothers and sisters, do not be afraid of the darkness.
Light is strongest when night is deepest.
Follow the star.
Kneel before Christ.
Offer your life as a gift.
And go home by another way.
Because when Christ is revealed to you,
He longs to be revealed through you.
Arise. Shine.
Your light has come. ✨
