4 January 2026 - Epiphany of the Lord
Is 60:1-6; Eph 3:2-3a.5-6; Mt 2:1-12
Homily
Matthew's Gospel is extremely sober about the birth of Jesus. In its first chapter, it begins by tracing the family tree of Joseph and therefore also of Mary, since they obviously belonged to the same tribe and the same extended family. Then comes the account of the appearance of the angel Gabriel to Joseph, telling him not to hesitate to take Mary as his wife. Then, in the very next chapter, the second, Jesus is ‘discovered’ by the Magi coming from the East, who offer Him royal gifts before returning home. The Gospel says nothing else about these people, and popular piety has continued to embroider and add details about them over the centuries.