Sunday 4 January 2009

The Epiphany of the Lord

Today the feast of the Epiphany is celebrated, transferred from the traditional date of January 6th. On this day the magi came from the east to see the new-born King, guided by a star. This was the first occasion on which Gentiles (non-Jews) were invited to see the Saviour, and so it is a day full of promise, a day of hope for those outside of the people of Israel. This promise is fulfilled in the life of the universal Church, which invites all people in every part of the world to know and serve Christ, and to receive from Him the gift of eternal salvation.