Sunday Reflections - THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD – SOLEMNITY (YEAR A)

LIGHT FOR THE LIVING

THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD – SOLEMNITY (YEAR A)

(Isaiah 60:1–6; Ephesians 3:2–3, 5–6; Matthew 2:1–12)

My beloved in Christ,

Today we celebrate the Epiphany of the Lord—the manifestation of Christ to the whole world. It is a feast that tells us clearly: God does not choose by tribe, colour, or background; He reveals Himself to all who sincerely seek Him.

To understand this better, let us listen to a story from a riverside community in Rivers State.

 The Story of the Three Canoe Men of Ogbakiri

In a small riverine village called Ogbakiri, there lived three well-known fishermen: Chief Tamuno, Boma, and Small Doctor (nobody remembered his real name). They were famous not because they caught the biggest fish, but because they argued about everything—from fishing nets to who cooked the best pepper soup.

One harmattan night, as they prepared their nets, they noticed a strange light reflecting on the river—brighter than moonlight, steadier than lantern light.

Boma scratched his head and said,

“This light is not NEPA.”

Small Doctor said,

“Nor is it torchlight. This one has intention.”

Chief Tamuno, the eldest, concluded,

“My fathers did not see this kind of light for nothing. Let us follow it.”

The villagers laughed.

“Are you now prophets?”

“Is the river no longer enough for you?”

But the three men packed dried fish, garri, and palm wine, jumped into their canoe, and followed the light—paddling, arguing, missing turns, stopping to ask questions, yet continuing.

Eventually, the light led them to a humble hut where a child was born. There was no palace, no siren, no guards—just peace.

Without instruction, each man offered what he had:

i. Chief Tamuno dropped his finest dried fish.

ii. Boma poured his best palm wine.

iii. Small Doctor, after searching his bag, offered his lucky fishing hook and said,

  “This one has brought me fish since 1998.”

They knelt.

They understood.

And they went home changed—without announcing themselves as heroes.

Later, the elders said,

“Strangers recognized what we overlooked.”

 Isaiah: Arise and Shine (Isaiah 60:1–6)

The prophet Isaiah proclaims:

“Arise, shine; for your light has come.”

Darkness covered the land, but God’s light appeared—not for one people alone, but for all nations. Like the fishermen of Ogbakiri, people from far places were drawn not by noise, but by light.

God’s glory attracts those who are willing to move.

 The Magi: Outsiders Who Recognised the King (Matthew 2:1–12)

The three Wise Men from the East were not Jews, yet God revealed Christ to them. They followed a star, asked questions, endured confusion, and refused to be distracted by Herod’s palace.

Like our three canoe men, they did not arrive with pride—only with gifts and worship.

Meanwhile, those who lived closest to the promise missed the moment.

 St. Paul: No Segregation in God’s Plan (Ephesians 3:2–3, 5–6)

St. Paul reminds us that God’s mystery is now revealed: Gentiles and Jews are co-heirs of salvation. God has no exclusive access card.

If you seek Him sincerely,

If you follow the light faithfully,

You will meet Christ—no matter where you come from.

 A Message for Us Today (with a Smile)

Beloved, Epiphany teaches us that:

i. God does not ask for tribe before revelation.

ii. He does not demand status before salvation.

iii. He does not require perfection before guidance.

Sometimes those we least expect recognise Christ first.

And yes—Christ can meet you:

i. in your canoe,

ii. at your workplace,

iii. in your market stall,

iv. in your kitchen,

v. in your daily routine.

You do not need a palace—just openness.

 Reflection

My beloved,

In God there is no segregation or favoritism. Everyone of righteousness can have access to God’s glory. The three wise men from the East were not Jews, yet Christ—the light that shines over darkness and principalities—was revealed to them and to the world.

We are equally guided to behold Christ daily in our ordinary activities by allowing Him to arise and shine in us—expelling darkness and establishing light.

May God bless us and guide us always to His Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ.

Happy Solemnity of Epiphany.

Happy New Year.

Rev. Fr. Chinedu Ibearugbulem, C.S.Sp