Epiphany, A Visitation

This Solemnity is a manifestation of our Lord in history. His visitation heralds His continuing love, not just to the chosen people, but to all the gentiles as already foretold by the prophets of old. The Magi or the Three Wise Men from the East, touched by the Holy Spirit, after seeing the star of invitation to visit the newborn King of Kings, must have hurriedly detached themselves from other concerns and launched a journey of adventure to pay homage to the long-awaited Messiah. The desert is a symbol of purification like the forty years of ‘bootcamp’ by the people of Israel in the desert before entering the Promise Land.

We too have deserts in our lives, and we too, are ever-invited by the Lord to visit Him in the tabernacles of our city, often near our residences and places of work. He’s been waiting for us for 2000 years. He never really left us. The inconvenience or discomfort to visit Him is nothing compared to the travel of the Magi. They offered Him gifts. We offer Him our presence.

Perhaps, we can include a resolution to behold and adore the Lord once a week in the adoration chapel, even for a few minutes. We owe Him worship for thinking about us throughout eternity. Our gratefulness and generosity will go a long way to please Him.

Our Blessed Mother rushed to visit her cousin St. Elizabeth to serve her until she gave birth the St. John the Baptist. May we also get excited when we visit her Son. Amen.