The word epiphany in Greek means manifestation or appearance. Originally the Greek-speaking Church of the Eastern Mediterranean celebrated both the Birth of Christ and the Manifestation on one and the same day, January 6, while the Western Church celebrated the Nativity or Christmass on December 25.
Continue reading “Reflections on the Epiphany of Our Lord”Reflections on the Sunday Next Before Advent
On this transition Sunday between Trinitytide and Advent, we have a Gospel which is also from mid-Lent: St. John’s account of the feeding of the 5,000. It is used today for its closing words: “this is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world.” They refer to a passage from Dt. 18:18-19.
These words of Moses were plainly Messianic, for only one would fulfil this announcement of his successor. St. Peter in Acts 3:22 and St. Stephen in Acts 7:37 recognize the fulfillment of Moses’ words. It is expounded as well in Hebrews 3:2-6. This was clearly part of the Apostolic preaching and teaching, which shows the importance of Moses’ prophecy. Continue reading “Reflections on the Sunday Next Before Advent”