The Epiphany of the Lord celebrates the coming of the Magi from the east
Reflections on the readings for the Epiphany of the Lord (January 2, 2022): 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 “Preaching Mission,” as a homily help, providing connections to mission from the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days.
They came to offer their homage to the King of the Jews because of a star that guided them.
On this festive Epiphany day, we salute the great manifestation of Christ to all the people of the world. On Christmas, the Son of God was born of the Blessed Virgin Mary to the Jewish people who had so long expected the arrival of the Messiah. And now we welcome the Magi from a distant land who followed a star in order to see and revere the King of the Jews. “And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the Child was. They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother. They prostrated themselves and did Him homage” (Matthew 2:9-11). We know almost nothing about these visitors. Over the centuries, the travelers have been thought of as kings, astronomers, astrologers, philosophers, or priests from some country we cannot identify. Nevertheless, their mysterious appearance lives on whenever we contemplate the infancy of the Christ Child.
The title King of the Jews is one that reappears in all the gospels during the passion of our Savior. As with the Magi, the others who use the term are Gentiles: Pontius Pilate used it while judging our Lord and the soldiers mocked Him with it. Then the words were written and hung above Jesus’ head on the cross where He died for all people of all the nations of the earth. Christ the King of the Universe gave up His life for those seekers from the east just as He did for the shepherds in Bethlehem, and the townspeople where the Holy Family found refuge in Egypt -- and Jesus’ own much-loved Jewish people. Not one person who ever lived or will live is excluded from the sacrifice of the Son of God and of His Blessed Mother Mary. We are all called to follow the light of His way. The Star of Bethlehem, however bright it shined, pales to nothing compared to the Light of the world. Jesus is the Light that not only shines in the darkness, but vanquishes it as well.
