Simon SENAYA

 

The Parish Priest of St. Gabriel Catholic Church, Mokola, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Eseola, on Sunday, January 4, 2026, called on Christians to begin the new year by offering their very best to Christ, as the Church celebrated the Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord.

 

In his homily, Rev. Fr. Eseola described Epiphany as one of the oldest feasts of the Church, noting that it was celebrated as early as the first century, long before the formal celebration of Christmas, which began in the fourth century. He explained that the feast marks the end of the Christmas season and reveals Christ to the whole world, represented by the visit of the wise men from the East.

 

Reflecting on the Gospel account, the priest clarified that the Bible mentions “wise men” but does not specify that they were three, even though three gifts—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—were presented. He emphasized that these gifts, though unusual, are deeply symbolic and carry important lessons for Christians today.

 

Rev. Fr. Eseola explained that gold signifies Christ’s kingship—not only as King of the Jews, but King of the whole world. The wise men, who were kings in their own right, offered gold in recognition of Jesus’ royal dignity. He challenged the faithful to reflect on how they offer “gold” to Christ today, stressing that following Jesus is not only about asking for blessings, but also about giving. According to him, the most precious gold believers can offer is their own lives—given fully and sincerely to God, without pretense.

 

On frankincense, the priest noted that it symbolizes worship and prayer, rising to God as a sweet offering. He reminded the congregation that all nations are called to worship Christ, but lamented the poor attitude many Christians display during worship, such as lateness to Mass and unruly behavior in church. He urged the faithful to renew their commitment to reverent and heartfelt worship.

 

Speaking on myrrh, Rev. Fr. Eseola explained that it points to Christ’s humanity, suffering, and eventual death. The gift of myrrh, he said, foreshadows Jesus’ martyrdom. He encouraged Christians not to run away from suffering, but to unite their pains, trials, and struggles with the suffering of Christ, offering them to God as a true act of faith.

 

Summarizing the message of the feast, the priest reminded the faithful that the wise men searched passionately for Jesus, guided by the star, with purpose, conviction, and deep understanding of God’s kingship. He urged Christians to seek Jesus daily with the same dedication, allowing God to lead their journey, and cautioned against trying to move faster than God’s will.

 

Rev. Fr. Eseola concluded with a prayer, asking that as Christians celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany, they may truly seek God in His glory, encounter Him in fullness, and receive His blessings in all their daily activities.

 

The homily left the congregation with a renewed call to present themselves to God as gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh—offering their lives, worship, and sufferings to Christ, who is revealed as Lord of all nations.