THE LIGHT THAT REFUSES TO BE HIDDEN

Homily for the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord

Fr. Ugochukwu Ugwoke, ISch

Isaiah 60:1-6; Ephesians 3:2-3, 5-6; Matthew 2:1-12

A few days ago, the electricity went off while we were celebrating Mass. At that instant, my attention was drawn to the small candle on the altar. In the surrounding darkness, that tiny flame became our anchor and guide. That is how light works: it attracts, reveals, and guides. The Solemnity of the Epiphany celebrates this simple but profound truth - God’s light has appeared, and it is meant for all.

Epiphany means manifestation. What is manifested today is not merely a miracle, but a mystery: God reveals Himself in Christ as the Savior of all nations, not just of Israel. Isaiah announces this with prophetic boldness: “Rise up in splendor, Jerusalem! Your light has come” (Is 60:1). The context is important. Israel was emerging from exile - politically weak, spiritually wounded, and surrounded by darkness. Yet God declares that His glory will shine precisely there. Light does not wait for perfect conditions; it breaks into darkness.

This prophetic vision finds its fulfillment in the Gospel. The Magi are not Jews; they are foreigners, seekers, guided not by the Law but by a star. Matthew is deliberate here. From the very beginning of Jesus’ life, outsiders recognize what insiders miss. Herod has power but no truth; the scribes have Scripture but no movement; the Magi have neither, yet they journey. Epiphany teaches us that faith is not about proximity to religion but openness to revelation.

The star deserves careful attention. It does not replace Scripture - the Magi still need Bethlehem to be identified by the prophets - but it initiates the journey. God meets people where they are and leads them further. This is deeply theological: grace precedes, accompanies, and completes human searching. The Magi respond with obedience, humility, and joy. When they find the child, they do not analyze; they adore. True revelation leads to worship.

St. Paul interprets this mystery explicitly in Ephesians: the Gentiles are “coheirs, members of the same body” (Eph 3:6). Epiphany is therefore not just about visitors at the manger; it is about the Church’s identity. The Church exists not to guard the light but to radiate it. When the Gospel becomes a private possession, it ceases to be the Gospel. When ministries become private businesses, they stand to be questioned.

The gifts of the Magi further deepen the meaning. Gold confesses Christ as King; frankincense acknowledges His divinity; myrrh points to His suffering and death. Epiphany already contains the shadow of the Cross. The light that shines in Bethlehem will pass through Calvary. God reveals Himself fully not in domination but in self-giving love.

Finally, the Magi “returned by another way.” Encountering Christ always changes our direction. Epiphany asks us a personal question: Have we truly met Him, or are we merely informed about Him? If Christ is our light, then our lives must become signs that lead others to Him - small candles in a dark world, quietly but faithfully pointing the way.

The light has appeared. The question is whether we will follow it and whether we will help others see it.