EPIPHANY OF THE LORD

The Epiphany is the revelation of the glory of the Lord to the world. It is the unveiling of the glory, resplendence and magnificence of God.  Jesus is the radiance of the glory of the God ( Heb 1:3). It the revelation of God’s salvation for humanity. "For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of God as the waters cover the sea" (Hab 2:14).

Though the Lord has revealed his glory to the nations, only those who have faith will see it. “We walk by faith and not by sight” (2Cor 5:7). The Lord will manifest his glory to those who long to see Him; those who seek him with their hearts; those who are disposed to welcome him with joy.

The Epiphany of the Lord produced opposite reactions in different people in the Gospels (Cf. Matt 2:1-12). The three wise men rejoiced when they saw the glory of the Lord in the manger but King Herod was angry and saddened. While the wise men were making effort to see the glory of the Lord, Herod was making effort to diminish the glory of God. The Epiphany can be accepted with faith or rejected because of unbelief

The Lord wants to manifest his glory in our lives. But are we ready to receive Him? Are we ready to welcome Him? Human existence is full of contradictions. We want light yet we hide in darkness (Cf. Jn 3:19). We yearn for truth but peddle falsehood (Cf. Ps 101:7). We want unconditional love but surround ourselves with the thick walls of hatred and malice (Cf. 1 Jn 4:20). We want to behold the glory of God but we are afraid of its brilliance (Cf. Ex 19).

If we want to experience the manifestation of Epiphany, let us do what the wise men did. Let us embark on the journey of conversion and self-renunciation. Let us leave behind the old way of life and embrace a new horizon. Let us fix our gaze on the Word of God as the star that leads us to the King of glory. Then the glory of God will be manifested in our lives. We will reflect the glory of God. We shall rejoice exceedingly.

Most Holy Name of Jesus

There is something about the name of Jesus. It is the greatest name in heaven and on earth. The name of Jesus is above every other name (Cf. Phil 2:9). This sacred name is not just a combination of letters. It is certainly more than just an audible sound. The name of Jesus connotes the person, identity and being of the second Person of the Trinity.

My name connotes my being, my person and my identity. My name is me! My name is what I am, what I have and what I stand for. If you insult my name, you insult me. In the same way, the name of Jesus connotes his being, person and identity.

About this holy name the scripture says “there is no salvation in anyone else, for there is no other name in the whole world given to men by which we are to be saved” (Acts 4:12). This name deserves our utmost respect and reverence. “At the name of Jesus every kneel must bow, of those that are in heaven, on earth and under the earth” (Phil 2:10).

The name of Jesus is so powerful, so portent. The name is prayer, power and possibilities. Miracles have been wrought, wars have been won, sicknesses have been cured, darkness has been dispelled and evil spirits expelled at the name of Jesus. There is certainly something about the name of Jesus.

In the name of Jesus we receive healing and protection from bodily harm. “In my name they shall take up serpents and if they shall drink poison, it shall not hurt them (Mk 16:17-18). This name gives us consolation in times of spiritual trials. It protects us from the assaults of the evil ones. It obtains for us anything and everything we ask from the Father. “If you ask the Father anything in my name He will give you” (Jn 16:23).

When we find ourselves in times of trials, temptations and distress, let us never hesitate to call on the name of Jesus. Let us invoke this name with faith and reverence, and the Lord will come to our aid. He will rescue us and assist us.