On Epiphany, We Also Seek the Light of Christ| National Catholic Register

May we follow the Wise Men in their journey of faith.

Sunday, Jan. 4, is the Epiphany of the Lord. Mass Readings: Isaiah 60:1-6; Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13; Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6; Matthew 2:1-12.

At Epiphany we follow the Magi in their journey of faith. As Magi, they followed the faint stars, distant points of light; as Wise Men, they follow Jesus, who is the ever-glorious Light from Light, true God from true God. 

“When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.’”

Up to this point in the Christmas story, only Jews had found their way to Bethlehem. This fact is essential, as the Gospel will go forth spreading forth to all the world (see Matthew 28:16-20). This call completes the Church, which needs both Jews and Gentiles. In today’s second reading, St. Paul rejoices in this fact, saying, the Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and co-partners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the Gospel (see Ephesians 3:6). 

Upon arriving in Jerusalem, what do the Magi find? The reigning king, Herod, knows nothing of the birth of this new King. The religious leaders seem unenthusiastic about the newborn King, making no effort to follow the Magi. There is no rejoicing, no summoning of the people to tell them that a longed-for King has finally been born, not even further inquiry. But praise the Lord, the Magi persevere in their search — they do not give up and keep following the star. “The star … stopped over the place where the child was. … On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage,” the text recounts.

Notice that they “prostrate” themselves before Jesus. The Greek word used means “to fall down in worship” or “to give adoration.” This is religious worship. It is a confession of faith. 

The Magi are moved to give three symbolic gifts that show some of what true faith includes. Gold symbolizes possessions. Frankincense symbolizes the gift of worship (see Psalm 141). Myrrh, a strange gift for an infant, is usually understood as a burial ointment. Surely this prefigures Jesus’ death, but it also symbolizes our own. The text then says, “And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way.”

Here, then, is essential evidence for faith: conversion. The trio does not go home the same way. They’ve changed direction (conversio), as truly wise men.