Jan. 2nd - Epiphany of the Lord

(Is 60:1-6; Eph 3:2-6; Mt 2:1-12)

Isaiah reflects that light is a prominent theme in the Liturgy at this time of year. The light of course is the star of Bethlehem; Christ is not only the babe born in Bethlehem, but the light of the world. God’s glory is described as light dawning on a world once covered in darkness, and God’s people are described as bright or radiant in God’s reflected glory, so much so that they will be a beacon of light to the Gentiles. The Psalm tells us every nation on earth will adore the Lord. In St. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians we see an expression of the fulfillment of the prophecy that the Magi represent. God, as the author of not only Scripture but of time and history as well, can use people and events to symbolize or to prophesy to other people or events. The Magi from the East come to pay homage not only to the King of the Jews but also to the King of Kings. The magi were not kings; they were believed to be a category of scholars who engaged in dream interpretations, astrology and predictions of the future. Their gifts are prophetic; the gold prophesies Jesus’ Kingship and the frankincense his Divinity and High Priesthood. The myrrh is the ointment that represents the prophecy of Jesus’ death.

• Like the Magi we bow down before him as our King, we recognize his divinity and worship him, and we bring him the gift of self-sacrifice, just as the Magi offered him myrrh. How do the Magi’s gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh shed light on the ways in which we offer our lives as a gift to Jesus?
• What gifts are you being called to offer him?
• Scripture, nature, reason, and the Church’s teachers (magisterium) all work to guide us to him. Can you commit to reaching out and following the guides available to you this coming year?