The Light of Epiphany

Dec. 25 is “the big day” to celebrate Christ’s incarnation. Catholics craving the next celebration may “fast forward” through the following days of the Christmas season with their eyes set on the feast of the Epiphany because it’s the “kick off” of the Mardi Gras season. 

But those who bask in the light-filled moment of the Epiphany will yield a treasure chest full of faith and fun that is superior to any gems they may catch along a Mardi Gras parade route, according to Father Matthew Graham, pastor of Immaculate Conception Church in Denham Springs. 

“Christmas is about how the Holy Family comes together. Certain people, such as the shepherds, hear the angels (which lead them to Bethlehem),” said Father Graham. “But the Epiphany is when the Magi come in and find the Lord.

“It’s a way of the outside world seeking the light and accepting the light. Those who knew sciences knew these things had reached their limit and
were looking for something even greater and then discovering the light and then giving gifts for whom? This light of the world that has come.

“This reminds us that the light is not just for those who have been waiting for it, as said in the Old Testament, but the world waiting for this great thing that unites us, this great light that enlightens and illuminates us.”

Father Graham said reflecting on the Magi’s meeting of the Christ Child reminds people of the Lord coming into the world in human form and enlightening it beyond their limitations.

“Because of our weaknesses and what we think is knowledge and going to something greater the feast of the Epiphany reminds us of those who are always searching for true enlightenment,” he said. “That God has come to allow us to know him and to engage with him.”

Particularly in South Louisiana, there are cultural nods to the Epiphany with such things as the crowned-shaped king cakes and the symbolism of the Mardi Gras theme colors of purple (justice), green (faith) and gold (power) and babies that are often inside the cakes.

While this is not the case today, Father Graham said when he was growing up, king cakes were not seen until Jan. 6. 

Father Graham highlighted how the Epiphany can enhance Mardi Gras traditions. 

“For us the Epiphany reminds us that our faith is not always ‘dull or boring’ but truly the people who understand the faith are more alive, they are realizing who has come, and there should be moments where we gather with family and friends beyond the set cultural days of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s; that we can find those moments in our faith to where we share the light with (others) – the light that comes first in my own family life, in my marriage and friendships and getting together to celebrate and then going to the celebrations that truly promote community and enjoyment.”

While there are Mardi Gras parades and events that could be considered risqué, Father Graham noted that throughout South Louisiana there are family-oriented parades and events. He also recommended catholic
culture.org as an online source for family-friendly activities and reflections.

In looking at the elements of a parade, Father Graham pointed out that there is a king and queen leading the parade throwing out beads that are free. There’s a parade train that’s leading to a grand celebration and some parades end with a grand ball.

“If those elements as taken from our faith, there’s someone leading people towards a great and truly lasting celebration that is free,” Father Graham said. “(Mardi Gras) reminds us that as we head toward Lent and reflect, am I truly following my king? Am I truly part of this parade going towards something greater than myself?”

From the launching point of the Epiphany people can see the wonderful reminders of the Christian faith throughout the Mardi Gras season and truly be satisfied and not enter Lent full of guilt from overindulging.

But wonderful as they are, the Epiphany and Mardi Gras season are “mountain top experiences” and when they end, people must descend back down the mountain and accompany Jesus during Lent to his Passion and death. It’s a reminder for Catholics there will always be moments of celebration and suffering.

“We go back to (this time), we reflect on it, so that when it gets hard, when we’re suffering and going through these things we have those moments where there’s true rejoicing in our lives and use those as a source of strength to help us out of the valleys of life,” said Father Graham.