The Epiphany of Our Lord [Matthew 2:1-12]
In the Name of the Father and of the Son + and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. Up to this point Jesus’ identity had only been revealed to the Jews. On the night of Christ’s birth the angel appeared to lowly shepherds dwelling in the Hill Country of Judea. The angel told those men about the savior born for all people, not just the Jews. Last Sunday St. Luke told us that Jesus identity was revealed to elderly Simeon and the aged Anna. Simeon holds the child in his arms and says, “ Mine eyes have seen thy salvation, which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel ” (Luke 3:20-32). The Holy Spirit had revealed this to Simeon so Simeon confesses that this child is the salvation promised by the Lord. Today Simeon’s words come true. The Lord has prepared this salvation “ before the face of all people; a light to lighten the Gentiles. ” That’s precisely what the Church celebrates on the day after the twelfth day of Chris...