Epiphany 2012

Wide awake around 1:15 a.m. I was going to draft a comment on the republican primary but decided to check out channel 229, EWTN, and again use it as a sleep aid.

A mass is going on at the Vatican. It is the Solemnity of the Epiphany. Being an uneducated Catholic, I want to find out more about the Epiphany.

"Question: When Is Epiphany 2012?

"Epiphany, the 12th day after Christmas, celebrates the visit of the three kings or wise men to the Christ Child, signifying the extension of salvation to the Gentiles.

"What is the date of Epiphany 2012?

"Answer: Epiphany falls on Friday, January 6, 2012. In most countries, including the United States, the celebration of Epiphany in 2012 is transferred to Sunday, January 8." See http://catholicism.about.com/od/2012calendar/f/2012_Epiphany.htm

Another website had this to say: "Observed on January 6th, the Epiphany celebration remembers the three miracles that manifest the divinity of Christ. The name 'Epiphany' comes from the Greek word Epiphania, and means 'to show, make known, or reveal.' The celebration originated in the Eastern Church in AD 361, beginning as a commemoration of the birth of Christ. Later, additional meanings were added - the visit of the three Magi, Christ's baptism in the Jordan River, and his first miracle at the wedding in Cana. These three events are central to the definition of Epiphany, and its meaning is drawn from these occurrences." http://www.faithclipart.com/guide/Christian-Holidays/definition-of-epiphany.html

A third website came up with these words: "During Advent, the world was in darkness, and we prayed and waited in the spirit of the Jewish nation which lived in expectation of the Coming Light during thousands of years. At Christmas the Light shone forth, but dimly, seen only by a few around the crib: Mary and Joseph and the shepherds. But at Epiphany the Light bursts forth to all nations and the prophecy is fulfilled: 'The Gentiles shall walk in Thy light, and kings in the brightness of Thy rising.'" http://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/activities/view.cfm?id=442

Interesting.

This reminds me of the words from the morning of January 1: "Do not curse the darkness but bring to it light."

I will comment on the republican primary later.