We have the joy of baptizing several of our young parishioners this weekend at the 8:00 am Mass, which is perfect for the Solemnity of the Epiphany! Why? “Epiphany” means an appearance, a manifestation, showing or revealing something that was hidden. We actually celebrate three different mysteries of the life of Jesus, together in one feast.

First, and most iconic, are the Magi, the wise men from the east. We think of them coming soon after Christmas, but it seems likely they arrived with their gifts about two years after Jesus was born. Their visit symbolizes Jesus being REVEALED as king to the foreign nations, the gentiles.

Second, we jump forward 28 years to when Jesus begins his public ministry. In the synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark and Luke), it begins with the baptism of Jesus. This is why it is so fitting to celebrate baptisms on Epiphany. The heavens open, a dove flies down, and everyone hears a voice saying, “This is my beloved Son.” Jesus is REVEALED to the people as the messiah, the Son of God.

Third, in the gospel of John we hear that Jesus got invited to a wedding, they ran out of wine, so he turned about 150 gallons of water into wine. “Jesus did this as the beginning of his signs in Cana in Galilee and so revealed his glory, and his disciples began to believe in him.” The first sign that REVEALED his glory. An epiphany.

The antiphon to the Magnificat at Vespers today sums it up: “Three mysteries mark this holy day: today the star leads the Magi to the infant Christ; today water is changed into wine for the wedding feast; today Christ wills to be baptized by John in the river Jordan to bring us salvation.”