Catholic Word of the Week

Merry Christmas! Why, you ask, am I still proclaiming such a phrase? Because the Christmas season has yet to end. In fact, we still have three full days of Christmastide. So, fellow Catholics and Christians, shout with joy: Merry Christmas! (The twelve days of Christmas begin, not end, on December 25.)

How might such a rant be connected to the Catholic Word of the Week? Because our CWOTW happens to be the liturgical solemnity that marks the official end of Christmas. That word, and corresponding feast day, is "Epiphany."

When the word is capitalized (as above), it is a reference to the liturgical feast celebrated by Catholics the world over on January 6 of each year. The feast is a celebration and commemoration of the arrival of the Magi in Bethlehem after their journey from the distant east. (And, it just so happens that January 6 is twelve days after December 25. Coincidence?)

When the word remains uncapitalized, it refers to the following (as defined by Merriam-Webster): "an appearance or manifestation especially of a divine being; a usually sudden manifestation or perception of the essential nature or meaning of something; an intuitive grasp of reality...; an illuminating discovery, realization, or disclosure".

Is there any question as to why the feast celebrated on January 6 has its particular name? It really is quite simple. As Christians, we are to seek Christ as the Magi did so many years ago. When we truly find Him, He is manifest to us; we perceive the essence and meaning of life; we receive, through the power of the Holy Spirit, "an intuitive grasp of reality;" our minds, hearts, and souls are illumined.

The Solemnity of the Epiphany is particularly special to me because I am reminded of my own (ongoing) illumination and transformation. Just over three years ago, I began my journey from the "distant east" of secularism, giving in to worldly desires, and general laziness. Since I have allowed Christ to be manifest in me, I have a greater cognition of my reason for being, I understand (though not fully) true reality, and my soul is lighter and brighter than at any time prior.

So, my friends, I urge you all to celebrate the Solemnity of the Epiphany with the utmost reverence and desire to let your lives be changed.

God Bless.

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