The Epiphany of Our Lord

The Epiphany of the Lord

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Gospel of Matthew 2:1-12

When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod,  behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.”

Today is the Feast of the Epiphany, the manifestation of the Son of God to the entire world.  It's a beautiful historical event when the three Magi, guided by a bright shining star, visited the Christ child.  Although pagan in religious original, the Magi realized the "King of the Jews" was among them; someone of importance meant to be venerated and honored.  The three wise men presented the Christ child with gifts of traditional gold, Frankincense and myrrh.  Gold represents Christ's kingship.  Frankincense represent's Christ's divinity.  The myrrh represents Christ's ultimate death.  (Myrrh was used as a common oil in burials.)  

This quote from Saint Gregory the Great brings greater meaning to the Epiphany:  "When the king of heaven was born, the heavens know that he was God because they immediately sent forth a star; the sea knew him because it allowed him to walk upon it; the earth knew him because it trembled when he died; the sun knew him because it hid the rays of its light."

A few questions to ponder based on St. Gregory's words:

• Do we really know Christ?  
• Do we walk on a path of discovery just like the Magi, learning more about God through Holy Scripture and the Sacraments?
• Are we a Rising Star to others through our Christ-like witness?
• Are we a luminous light of faith, hope and love?

We all have the capacity to become wise men and women.  All we need to do is take a look around us, recognize God's eternal light, and acknowledge our blessings.  No need to be jealous if our bank accounts are not full of gold.  No need to be resentful because our spiritual life isn't as pious as another.  No need to be worried that we will die of some painful disease.  God wants us to follow his luminous light, casting away all of the negative thoughts and feelings which plague us.  (Remember the Devil loves to pick out our weaknesses.)  Just like the Rising Star brought hope to the Magi, it brings hope to us, too.  We must follow this bright light.  Yes, sometimes it will be masked behind the clouds, and we think it has gone away for good.  However, Christ's star will always shine once again!  It never goes out!

Songs of thankfulness and praise

Jesus, Lord, to thee we raise,

Manifested by the star

To the sages from afar;

Branch of royal David's stem

In they birth at Bethlehem;

Anthems be to thee addressed,

God in man made manifest.

-Hymn sung to the tune Come, Ye Thankful People, Come

-J.