Epiphany of the Lord a reminder of unity, faith for all people – Bishop Alphonse Asiedu

Vicar of the Apostolic Vicariate of Donkorkrom, Most Rev. John Alphonse Asiedu, SVD, has emphasised the deep spiritual significance of the Feast of Epiphany.

Delivering a homily on January 5 at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral in Donkorkrom, Bishop Asiedu called on the faithful to embrace unity and faith in the Lord as one body, regardless of nationality or background.

Bishop Asiedu explained that the Epiphany goes beyond celebrating the birth of Christ, marking instead the full revelation of God through His Son. He pointed out that Jesus took human form not just for the sake of His birth, but with a profound purpose: to save humanity from sin and to claim all people for God.

“The Epiphany is, therefore, the revelation, or manifestation, or appearance of God among us, through his Son, Jesus, in order to save us from our sins and to claim us for God,” Bishop Asiedu said. “This is the essence of why Jesus came to us, to show us the way to salvation,” he added.

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Drawing from the day’s readings, the Bishop emphasised the inclusive nature of Christ’s mission. He referred to the Prophet Isaiah’s optimistic vision of the return of God’s people from exile, a return that symbolised the restoration of Jerusalem, the holy city.

“The city will draw all peoples from darkness into glorious light – all will become children of Light,” he noted, underscoring that the invitation to God’s kingdom was open to all.

The Bishop also touched on St. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, which highlights what the Vicar described as “the secret at the heart of Christianity.” As he put it, all people—both Jews and non-Jews—are called to be members of one body, one family, with Jesus Christ as the head. “Jesus Christ is our life and our light, if we accept him as such, we become one people without any distinction or discrimination.”

His message was further reinforced by the Gospel reading from St. Matthew, which narrates the visit of the Magi, the Wise Men from the East. According to Most Rev. Asiedu, the Magi, as non-Jews from distant lands, symbolised all of humanity, especially those who, like the Magi, come to recognise Jesus as the promised Messiah. He urged all Christians to follow their example and worship Christ with reverence and humility.

“All of us, even kings from distant lands, are called to worship and revere him and offer him our gifts,” the Vicar reminded the congregation. “Let us, too, bring our gifts—our faith, our love, and our devotion—to Christ, the King of all nations.”

Bishop Asiedu also appealed to the faithful to embrace the true meaning of the Epiphany by fostering a spirit of unity and inclusivity. He encouraged them to be the light in the world, just as Jerusalem is called to shine with the glory of the Lord.

“Let us celebrate this feast with the realisation that we are part of a universal family, one Body in Christ. Together, we are all called to be bearers of His light to the world, overcoming all divisions and differences,” he said.

Watch Bishop Asiedu’s homily for Feast of Epiphany below