Solemnity of the Epiphany
Gospel: Matthew 2:1-12
Do you have a favorite Christmas carol?
An appropriate one for Epiphany is We Three Kings. The words of the carol summarize the travels of these three Magi in their search for the newborn King of the Jews.
Historically, the Magi were from Arabia. Traditionally they are depicted as a Caucasian, an Asian, and an African. They represent the Gentiles, the non-Jewish people. Their journey to Bethlehem symbolizes the journey that all wise people make to seek the One who brings meaning to our lives.
The gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh that they brought to Him point to the true identity of Jesus - the gold for His Kingship, the incense for His Divinity and the myrrh for His mission as Savior and destiny to suffer. These gifts also represent the best that Arabia had to offer. Gold, frankincense, and myrrh were the most valuable products in the Arabian economy. What gifts will we bring to our Savior? Are they our best?
The Magi were guided to the newborn King by a star. They were alert to the signs of the time and were willing to make an arduous journey full of sacrifices to find this King. All of us are in different places on our faith journey, but God is with us and guiding us. May we see ourselves in the Magi and recognize that Christ can be revealed to us through different circumstances, people, times, and cultures.
Blessings,
Sister Marcella Louise Wallowicz, CSFN
