The Feast of Epiphany

On the Feast of the Epiphany or “El Dia de los Reyes” among Hispanic communities and in Latin America there is a custom of hiding a small plastic baby Jesus in a cake baked especially for the feast. The figure is hidden in the cake recalling the efforts to hide Jesus from the soldiers of Herod and the cutting of the cake with a knife recalls the real danger that Jesus faced. The person who finds the figure in his portion can be expected to host a party on Feb 2 or is the recipient of gifts. This custom is one way to bring out the meaning of this feast as the revealing of Jesus as the Messiah from the hiddenness of his humanity. We might extend the symbolism to our daily lives during this coming year. Jesus is very much present in all the circumstances, persons and events of our lives today and throughout this New Year. With the eyes of faith and within a community of faith we can discern that presence, even where and when we do not expect it. Furthermore, that Presence draws us out of ourselves to be joined in the mission of Christ and the Church. This also entails a risk and a cost but in the experience we discover not only Christ but also our true and best selves. This is Epiphany is its fullest.