“We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.” The explanation that the Magi gave for their journey seems so simple and straightforward. But, like most aspects of our Salvation History, there is more to the story.
We do not know exactly where these men began their journey. We do not know how long or how far they traveled, but it seems that they were not Jews or Romans. They did not come to pay homage to their own newborn king, but the king of the Jews. The Jews were a subjected people. Why would these learned men make this journey, bringing such extravagant gifts that recognized him as a king, indeed, as a god, and foretold his death?
The Magi were thought to be wise men or astrologers who studied the sky and stars. And remember, in those days, the stars were believed to be the realm of the gods. If the star was bright enough for them to follow, was it not also visible in Jerusalem? Had nobody there noticed it and wondered about it? The Jewish leaders certainly knew their sacred scriptures, and would have been familiar with the passage we heard in today’s first reading from the prophet Isaiah: “Rise up in splendor, Jerusalem! Your light has come, the glory of the Lord shines upon you.” Certainly, they could have recognized in the star shining above them the same explanation of a new Jewish king. Even Herod, who was always alert to any threat against his reign and must have had Jewish scholars advising him, was, apparently, ignorant of the birth and its implications until the Magi told him about it.
These are interesting questions, but the answers would not really help us to see the significance of the visit of the Magi. In fact, such contradictions may help us notice the varying wonderful and mysterious ways that God worked and continues to work to bring about our salvation.
Most of the Jews, the chosen people of God, clearly missed what they had been anticipating for centuries. They were, for all intents and purposes, blind to the promise of the birth of the Savior. On the other hand, foreigners were not only aware, but took action to honor him. In the figures of the magi from the east, we see the beginning of that promise’s fulfillment. We can see that the magi offer eloquent testimony regarding the universality of God’s plan of salvation. From them, we learn that it takes daring and courage to set out on life’s journey.
In a world before good maps and roads and GPS systems, when travel was arduous and often quite dangerous, they allowed themselves to be led by ancient prophecies. Moreover, they were not afraid of Herod and were not fooled by his plotting. They followed the signal of a rising star, and they were open to accepting revelation that came in the form of a dream.
The star was there for all to see. But only those who were open to its meaning were blessed with seeing who and what it represented. The account of the Magi helps us see that Jesus was born to be more than the king of the Jews. He came to draw all people to himself and to redeem all of humankind. The mission of Jesus has no political or geographic boundaries, as we heard so eloquently in today’s second reading from the letter to the Ephesians: “the Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and copartners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.” We are the Gentiles, and we are among the descendants of this inheritance.
When the magi did find Joseph and Mary with their infant, they gave gifts worthy of a king, and indeed, a god. As we hear prophesied in this morning’s first reading, they offered Jesus gold, in recognition of his kingship, as well as frankincense, which was traditionally offered to gods. They also offered him myrrh, in preparation for his death and burial. Prostrate, they paid homage to Jesus, their genuine worship contrasting sharply with the lying lip service of Herod as well as blindness of the chief priests and scribes. The leaders of the Jews knew what the scriptures said about Jesus and Bethlehem, but that was not sufficient for them. Although they knew the prophecies, the leaders were not moved to believe. In the magi, on the other hand, we see knowledge affirmed by faith.
The magi also offer us a powerful example of having the wisdom to know who to believe and follow. They were probably aware of King Herod’s reputation as a ruthless ruler, who stopped at nothing – even murder – to ensure that his reign remained secure. So, as they went to pay homage to the true King of the Jews, they had to decide which king to honor: Herod, the king of power, or Jesus, the King of Peace. An important message of the Epiphany is that each of us must choose which king we will honor: the king of earthly power and influence or the king of everlasting peace and joy.
Today, let us thank God for all he has done to open the doors of heaven for us. His love knows no boundaries. His mercy extends to all people. Let us be wise and humble enough to welcome him into our hearts. And then, let us, in turn, do our part in announcing that good news to those who have not yet seen the light. May the love and mercy of God shine in us and, like the star of Bethlehem, draw others to Jesus.