Readings (Year C):
Reflection: Rich in meaning
The familiar story of the three wise men is rich in meaning, far beyond the story we hear:
“Magi from the East arrived in Jerusalem” (Matt. 2:1).
The text does not name them “kings” but simply “magi.” Some translations speak of them as astrologers, led by a star. So how is it that they became known as kings and wise men? The first hearers of Matthew’s gospel were Jews of Jerusalem, who had come to follow the way of Jesus. They would have been familiar with the Wisdom literature of their scriptures. In the first book of Kings, Solomon asks God for the gift of wisdom, and from that time, wisdom was thought to be a gift given to kings. The wisdom of the magi was that they were seeking the Christ.
Matthew’s gospel says they are “from the east.” Perhaps describing the truth that the Christ was born for all humankind, not only for the Jews. By the time of the writing of the gospel, Paul had been on his missionary journeys, and was welcoming Gentiles (non-Jews) to the faith.
May we who celebrate this feast today be given the gift of wisdom, to always seek the Christ; and may we experience unity with all who call themselves Christian regardless of denomination or worship tradition.
“We saw his star at its rising” (Matt. 2:2).
Perhaps the first hearers of this story remembered their ancestors of the Exodus, who were led through the desert by the light in the clouds. What and who are the stars that guide us, that lend direction to the journeys of our lives?
“Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, [King Herod] inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born” (Matt. 2:4).
Interesting, isn’t it, that Herod assembled the religious leaders to ask about the birth of Christ. They knew it was in Bethlehem of Judea, as they quoted the prophet Isaiah. Although they knew this, they never came to accept Jesus as the Christ. What about us? Does our knowledge lead us to believe?
“They were overjoyed . . . and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother” (Matt. 2:10–11).
How do we respond upon every revelation of Christ to us? Let us experience great joy—the same joy that Luke’s gospel speaks about the meeting of Mary with Elizabeth. It says that the babe in Elizabeth’s womb leapt for joy! May we let go of any adult resistance and express the joy that erupts in children.
“They prostrated themselves and did him homage” (Matt. 2:11).
This is a gesture of respect and admiration given to a king. The magi recognized God incarnate in the infant. How and where do we recognize the presence of Christ? We don’t use the same gesture, but it is worth pondering how we show respect and admiration in our own encounters with Christ.
“They opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh” (Matt. 2:11).
In every souvenir shop throughout Israel, there are packages of three little bottles of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Many have undertaken to explain their symbolism as gifts. I once heard a homilist say that if the magi were indeed magicians of a sort, perhaps they used these three items in performing acts of illusion. In finding the Christ, they surrendered their tools of illusion to cling to the truth. What might we surrender to cling to the truth of Christ?
“Having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way” (Matt. 2:12).
When we experience a significant life event, one that changes us, even familiar ways look different and new. Whether or not the magi went home by a different route, they had been changed. Their way looked different because they themselves were different.
May our celebration of this Epiphany feast find us transformed as we encounter Christ!
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