A couple of years ago, the Symphony Chorus was rehearsing a piece of music that I found to be particularly challenging. Our musical score for this piece only contained the choir parts, with very little indication of what the orchestra would be playing with us. I could easily sing the notes on the page, but I was having a very difficult time figuring out how this “obscure” choir part would fit into the whole of the piece.
The first time that we rehearsed that piece with the orchestra, I remember having an “aha” moment. Suddenly, everything made sense, and I could grasp how the composer intended everything to fit together. That “aha” moment made the piece of music much more enjoyable to sing! In fact, I remember that piece being one of the more enjoyable pieces on that concert.
This “aha” moment where everything becomes clear is an epiphany of sorts: a moment of manifestation, where what was previously hidden becomes known. As we celebrate the Solemnity of the Epiphany, we celebrate the manifestation of Jesus as the King of Kings to all the nations of the world. The Magi, who come to Jesus bearing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, are a symbol of the nations recognizing Jesus as the one true King. Each of the gifts serves as a symbol: Gold reminds us that Jesus is King of Kings. Frankincense, which was often burned as incense in temples, reminds us that Jesus is the Son of God. Myrrh, a perfume used in burial rituals, reminds us that Jesus came to earth to die for our sins.
While the visit of the Magi is what we most often associate with the Epiphany, there are many other epiphany moments present in the Gospels, such as the Baptism of Jesus, the Wedding at Cana, and even the words of the centurion at the foot of the cross, when he recognizes Jesus as the Son of God. Each of these moments remind us that God is continually manifesting his presence to us and helping us to seek his will. We can have epiphany moments in our lives as well. Many of these moments are simple, but we can also experience profound epiphanies, that suddenly alter the entire course of our lives. I am a Priest today because of a profound epiphany moment, where God touched my heart and opened my eyes to see His will for me. My prayer is that all of us will be able to recognize these epiphany moments in our lives and respond to them with true faith and love for God.
Sincerely in Christ,
Fr. Steven Huber, CSB