The Feast of the Epiphany – Thursday 6th January, 2022 (Holy Day of Obligation)
Masses (Wednesday 5th Vigil Mass 5.30pm) Thursday 8am and 10am
This feast commemorates the visit of the pagan, wise men to worship the infant Jesus. It is a hugely significant event in that it reveals that this infant King is not only for the Jewish people but a King and Messiah for all nations. Research suggests that they had come from the Arabian Peninsula – and belonged to a pagan sect that longed for a Messiah. Tradition assigns to them the names Caspar, Melchior and Balthassar. The men were astrologers who were looking for the star that would lead them to the promised Messiah. According to the Gospel narratives, the wise men brought gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh and presented them to the infant in the manger. There is huge significance in these gifts that were presented. Gold was a precious and expensive gift; traditionally exchanged among royalty – a recognition that Jesus, despite his lowly birth, is King. Frankincense is a sweet perfume which was often burned in the temple to worship God – a recognition that Jesus should be worshipped. Myrrh was used to keep things fresh – and used by the Jews to preserve the body of one who died. It was used by the women to anoint Jesus’ body when he died. This presentation is a recognition that this Messiah would suffer and die.
