Have you ever wondered what the word Epiphany means? Well, I searched and found out that the name comes from the Greek epiphaneia, meaning “appearance” or “manifestation,” and refers to the manifestation of Jesus Christ to the world. The holiday is called the Feast of Epiphany, Theophany, or Three Kings’ Day.
In many countries, Epiphany is celebrated with special pastries, and children often receive small gifts in their shoes in honour of the Magi’s gifts (they came bearing the three unique gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh) to the baby Jesus. In Eastern traditions, baptism is common during Epiphany, and houses may be blessed with holy water.
Our Indigenous celebrations for Gimaa Gizhigak include traditions which can be traced to the Epiphany. Our special pastries are the tea biscuits containing the three hidden treasure items, “P’kwanjigeng”, representing the three kings and the gifts they brought to baby Jesus. In Baptism we are given names and so we have a ceremony to give Anishinabe nooswinan, and we gave our God-Children their gifts on this day. In working with children 3-6 years of age, in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Atrium, I use Ininaatig jiwaagamisigan sisibaakwat for Gold – liquid gold; Spruce Gum (resin), zhingob gaawaandag, for Frankinsence (anti-inflammatory); Cedar, Giizhikaandag, used for giving the body a cedar bath after death, for Myrrh, which was used for embalming, used at Jesus’ death and burial.
The First Reading, Isaiah 60:1-6, is about light that shines, that draws people to it, and foretells those who will come with gold and frankincense. This prophecy is fulfilled by the Magi.
The Responsorial Psalm, Psalm 72, is about how the king will bring fairness, peace, and dominion from sea to sea. Tributes of gifts will come from afar, and devotion from all nations.
The Second Reading, Ephesians 3:2-3A, 5-6: Gentiles are fellow heirs, and Jesus came for all peoples and nations and not just for the Jews. We are all children of God.
The Gospel, Matthew 2:1-12, is a biblical story where we can consider the meaning and what it’s saying to us. Let us go deeper and travel with the Magi, the three wise men of different nations. Be attentive, have the courage to be adventurous, recognize and follow the light of the star to be closer to Jesus.
Prayer
Jesus, You who said “I am the light of the world”, guide us by your light to You. We bring before You our “inner gifts” of faith, hope, and love, gifts that open our eyes and hearts. May we always follow Your example of humility and love. Teach us to share Your light with others. Turn our inner gifts to action, to show others the way to You. Amen.
Rosella Kinoshameg, DOS