The Most Rev. John Alphonse Asiedu, SVD, Bishop of the Apostolic Vicariate of Donkorkrom, in the Eastern Region of Ghana, has explained the meaning of the Epiphany of the Lord to the faithful of St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, Donkorkrom in a homily during the Mass of the Epiphany on January 5, 2025.
“The Epiphany is therefore, the revelation, or manifestation, or appearance of God among us, through his Son, Jesus, in order to save us from our sins and to claim us for God,” he explained, adding that it not only celebrates the birth of Christ, but also the whole purpose of his incarnation – why Jesus took human flesh and became one like us in all things, except sin.
Reflecting on the First Reading, the prelate drew the attention of the faithful to the optimistic tone of the Prophet Isaiah about the return of the people of God from exile. “They will return home from exile, and Jerusalem, the holy city, once reconstructed and restored, will manifest the Lord to all peoples without exception. The city will draw all peoples from darkness into glorious light – all will become children of Light,” he declared.
He further threw light on the Second Reading, where St. Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians speaks about what he calls “the secret at the heart of Christianity” – that all peoples, Jews and non-Jews alike, are called to be members of the one body, one family or one community of which Jesus is the head.
Making reference to the Gospel Reading from St. Mathew the prelate pointed out to the universal character of the Good News, as it narrates the visit of the Wise men or Magi, coming from far away East, to Bethlehem with gifts for the New-born King, Jesus Christ.
According to him, the Magi, as non-Jews coming from faraway lands, represent “all of us, non-Jews who are Christians and recognize Jesus in faith as the promised Messiah”.
“And so, all nations, all peoples, both Jews and non-Jews together, who profess the one faith are called to be members of the one body or family of which Jesus is our Head. Jesus Christ is our life and our light, if we accept him as such, we become one people without any distinction or discrimination,” he underpinned.
“All of us, even kings from distant lands, are called to worship and revere him and offer him our gifts,” he added.
By Sr. Sylvie Lum Cho, MSHR (DEPSOCOM, Donkorkrom Apostolic Vicariate)
