Celebrating the Magi today...
Reflections on the readings for The Epiphany of the Lord (January 5, 2020): IS 60:1-6; PS 72:1-2,7-8,10-11,12-13; EPH 3:2-3,5-6; MT 2:1-12
MISSIO offers “Mission In Scripture” to nurture a missionary heart, providing reflections on the missionary themes in the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days
The Epiphany of the Lord is generally considered the end of the Christmas season.
The celebration recalls the visit of the Magi to the Infant Jesus and is also known as Three Kings Day and Little Christmas. These Magi or Wise Men were obviously familiar with the stars and other celestial objects. One of these caught their attention so profoundly that they believed it indicated the birth of a new King of the Jews. They made the extraordinary decision to journey to Judea where they thought they would find Him. Only in the Gospel according to Matthew do we hear this astounding story of their meeting with the Holy Family in Bethlehem. “They prostrated themselves and did Him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered Him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way” (Matthew 2:11-12).
The offerings of the Magi revere the Holy Infant with gold for royalty, frankincense for the divine, and myrrh for anointing the dead. Each gift was deeply appropriate for Christ the King and Son of God who sacrificed Himself for His people. During this beautiful feast, let us remember that the King of the Jews sought by the Wise Men at His birth also had those very words written above His head as He died on the cross. Our Messiah and Savior humbly and generously gave His life for every infant born into this world. Let us give Him our gratitude and love in return.
Suggested missionary action: We can venerate the Christ Child on this feast of the Epiphany by providing material support for the benefit of poor and vulnerable youngsters. We worship Jesus by helping His beloved little ones whether in our own neighborhood or on the other side of the world.