An epiphany is an event where something hidden is revealed. Most of us experienced this recently as we opened our Christmas gifts. In our family, we gather around the Christmas tree that is surrounded by countless gifts for all. The youngest children who are able to do so take turns finding a gift for everyone in the room and then we open them together. Of course, we old folks wait as the children open their gifts because we don’t want to miss the excitement as they tear away the wrapping and cry out with glee as the gift that had been hidden behind the wrapping paper is revealed to them. It’s great fun!
Today, we recall God revealing his Son in the flesh – as a king, indeed, as a God, and one who is to die, and who will become a Savior for all people, including us here today; what a great gift that is! In our first reading, we hear today from the Prophet Isaiah as he speaks of the rededication of the Temple at Jerusalem following the exile in Babylon. Having been plunged into the darkness of slavery for seventy years, the Israelites now rejoice because, as we hear this morning, “Your light has come, the glory of the Lord shines upon you.” Here, more than five centuries before the birth of Jesus, we learn of events that will occur when he is born. Kings will come from great distances carrying gifts of gold and frankincense.
The little section we hear from Saint Paul’s letter to the Ephesians reinforces the notion that God’s salvation was intended for all people. In this reading, we hear Paul throw open wide the doors of heaven to everyone, stating firmly that the Gentiles are – listen to the language – “co-heirs, members of the same body, and co-partners in the promise.” What God intends for one, he offers to all – including us today!
In Matthew’s Gospel, we hear the story of the Magi following the light of the star from the Far East in search of a newborn king. We’re all familiar with the story. First, they stop at Herod’s palace in Jerusalem. Notice, they aren’t the least bit interested in this king but instead, they ask Herod, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews?” You can be sure that this question would have upset Herod since he had traveled to Rome and, at great expense, had bribed the Roman Senate to give him that title. He figured that he needed to be named “King of the Jews” if he wanted to be king over the Jews since he was not Jewish by blood. News of a newborn king of the Jews must have been very disturbing to him. The Magi leave him and continue their journey. While they showed no respect for Herod in his royal court, once they encounter the Christ Child they prostrate themselves before him, so great is their recognition that they are in the presence of God.
Then they open their treasures, two of which match perfectly with Isaiah’s prophecy: gold to recognize Jesus as king, and frankincense in recognition that he is, indeed, God. The gift that stands out – the one that seems most unlikely at this rather unusual baby shower, is the myrrh. This is a burial ointment, signifying that this child was born to give his life for others, as if the crib and the cross were cut from the same tree. One is never far from the other.
The Magi were thought to be wise men or astrologers who studied the sky and stars for sacred signs. Apparently, most of the Jews, the chosen people of God, missed the signs that the prophets had given. They were blind to these prophecies – one of which the wise men quoted right from their own sacred writings – that contained the promise of the birth of their Savior. On the other hand, these 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 bold testimony regarding the universality of God’s plan of salvation. At the same time, we learn that it takes daring and courage to set out on life’s journey in search of the one, true God.
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 humanity. And, this is good news to us!
Today, let us all thank God for all he has done to open the doors of heaven for us. His love knows no boundaries. Let us, in turn, do our part to courageously announce that good news to those who have not yet seen the light. Let the love and mercy of God shine in us and, like the star of Bethlehem, draw others to Jesus.