Epiphany

Words from Pope Bento XVI for those gathered in St. Peter's Square, on the solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord.
The feast, said the Holy Father, is "represented by the Magi who came from the East to pay homage to the king of the Jews. Observing celestial phenomena, these mysterious persons saw a new star rise and, instructed as well by the ancient prophecies, recognized in it the sign of the birth of the Messiah, descendant of David.

"From its first appearance, then, the light of Christ began to draw to itself the men 'who God loves,' of every language, people and culture. It is the power of the Holy Spirit that moves hearts and minds to seek truth, beauty, justice, peace."

"Men and women of every generation," continued the Pontiff, "have need of direction."

"The star that guided the Magi had completed its function, but its spiritual light is ever present in the word of the Gospel, which today too is capable of guiding every man to Jesus," said Benedict XVI. "That same word, which is nothing if not the reflection of Christ, true man and true God, is authoritatively echoed by the Church for every well-disposed soul." The Church too, for this reason, carries out for humanity the mission of the star. But something of this sort can be said of every Christian, called to help guide the steps of his brothers by word and the witness of his life."