As we celebrate the Epiphany of the Lord, it is important to remember what epiphany means, reveal. The first reading from Isaiah refers to Jerusalem being a light in the darkness. Perhaps like a lighthouse used in centuries past to provide guidance to safe harbors. This is followed by the Psalm with its refrain, “Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.” It should remind us of the importance of our being witnesses. How can others come to know Jesus without an example being given to them? Evangelization does not mean beating others over the head with a bible, or threatening them with death if they refuse to convert. Evangelization means revealing our faith, letting our light, our faith in Jesus, be seen by others so that they can see what a difference it means to be a disciple of Jesus.
Paul’s letter mentions that what had been hidden has now been revealed. It is not just something we give lip service to, but a way of life, a way of responding to the world in a way that reveals our core values to others. ‘Accepting Jesus into our lives’ is meaningless unless we reveal the difference it makes.
The Gospel provides the story of the magi. Obviously knocking on the door of a jealous king in a foreign land is not the best way to make friends. Did you notice that “All Jerusalem” was troubled when Herod became troubled. In our world, being politically correct may mean letting go of the truth, the faith. We have choices to make, do we “get along” without making waves? How often is our faith compromised by following the crowd?
We are called to reveal the truth of living the Christian life, by not supporting whatever ideological fad that passes.
Countenance of God 