January 1, 2023 - Epiphany (Observed) Sermon

Introit: Ps. 72:1-2, 10-11; antiphon: Liturgical text
Gradual: Is. 60:6b, 1
Old Testament: Is. 60:1-6
Psalm 24 (antiphon: v. 7)\rEpistle: Eph. 3:1-12
ProperVerse: Matt. 2:2b
Gospel: Matt. 2:1-12
\rThe Lord God Is Manifested in the Incarnate Son
The Feast of the Epiphany centers in the visit of the Magi from the East. In that respect, it is a "Thirteenth Day" of Christmas; and yet, it also marks the beginning of a new liturgical season. While Christmas has focused on the Incarnation of our Lord-that is, on God becoming flesh-the season of Epiphany emphasizes the manifestation or self-revelation of God in that same flesh of Christ. For the Lord Himself has entered our darkness and rises upon us with the brightness of His true light (Is. 60:1-2). He does so chiefly by His Word of the Gospel, which He causes to be preached within His Church on earth-not only to the Jews but also to Gentiles (Eph. 3:8-10). As the Magi were guided by the promises of Holy Scripture to find and worship the Christ Child with His mother in the house (Matt. 2:5-11), so does He call disciples from all nations by the preaching of His Word, to find and worship Him within His Church (Is. 60:3-6). With gold they confess His royalty; with incense, His deity; and with myrrh, His priestly sacrifice (Matt. 2:11).