Introduction: Called to be a Walking Epiphany

This weekend we celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany, which liturgically concludes the 10-day Christmas Season from December 26th through January 6th (excluding Sundays) – the actual day of the feast day. This year it is celebrated on Sunday.

In the early chapters of Matthew’s Gospel, the evangelist does not give many details about Jesus’ birth – as Luke does. What is of interest is the place (Bethlehem) and the initial reactions to this Christ-Child – especially from the lowly shepherds and the mysterious, foreign Magi. The first visitors to the child (apparently no longer an infant) are exotic characters from the East, who were not kings or wise men but appear in the passage to be astrologers who can interpret the movement of the stars. They were Gentiles – strangers, outsiders.

We know little about the Magi. They come from the East and journey to Bethlehem, following an astrological sign/star – which some commentaries think was Halley’s comet or the convergence of Jupiter and Saturn. We assume there were three Magi based upon the naming of their three gifts – but there could have possibly been more. These Magi come to pay homage to Jesus. Most importantly from a theological perspective, they represent the Gentiles’ search for a savior, because the Magi represent the entire world. For Matthew, universal salvation is a major theme throughout his Gospel. Amazingly, these mysterious foreigners respond positively to Jesus in stark contrast to Herod, the chief priests, and scribes. In short, the Magi foreshadow the inclusion of non-Jews to Jesus’ movement and way of life. 

We have come over the centuries to consider the gifts they bring as a foreshadowing of Jesus’ role in salvation. Gold represents Jesus’ kingship. Frankincense (incense in the Temple) symbolizes his divinity.  And myrrh (oil) anticipates his death. 

A concluding thought. The word “Epiphany” means “manifestation” or “showing forth.” Historically, several moments in Christ’s early life and ministry have been celebrated as “epiphanies,” including his birth in Bethlehem, the visit of the Magi, his baptism by John, and his first miracle at Cana.

Are you a “walking epiphany?” Do you “show forth” Christ’s light in your daily life?

I would invite you to take time to read and ponder the words from the Gospel of Matthew 2:1-12.

Which word or words caught your attention?
What in this passage comforted you?
What in this passage challenged you?

Further Questions and Reflections:

“They departed for their country by another way.” An encounter with the living Christ means we need to change direction! Are you moving in another way? Have you departed in another direction?

This is one of the world’s greatest stories, full of drama, radiance, and mystery. And we are invited to become part of this story. The Magi’s journey, like our own lives, involves highs and lows, times of insight and doubt, a dream calling them forward (star) and the deception of worldly values (Herod). 

Will we also have the courage to strike out from our home – our comfort zone – to journey to Jesus?

The star told in today’s Gospel is about people being called to follow their star to discover the abundant life that Jesus promises. The Magi saw the star and steadily followed it. 

What star am I being called to follow this year?

The comfortable -the established - did not recognize Jesus, but the travelers and strangers appreciated who he was. I ask that I be open to the voices of the stranger and to wisdom from other traditions.

In a real way, we are “seekers” – full of questions, seeking and searching. This is our faith journey.

Deacon David

Deacon David Suley
St. Andrew Apostle Catholic Church
Silver Spring, Maryland

Published with Permission

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