Scripture:
Isaiah 60:1-6
Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6
Matthew 2:1-12
Reflection:
Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord
What do we do when we find the meaning of life or the key to eternal life? Does it lead to worship? It led the Magi to worship King Jesus. Our response to the Father’s offer of salvation must be that of the Magi. We should bring gifts to proclaim his kingship. We should bring gifts to proclaim his Godhead. We should bring gifts to proclaim his mortality. (Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh). Even creation responds as well: “When the King of Heaven was born, the heavens knew that he was God because they immediately sent forth a star; the sea knew him because it allowed him to walk upon it; the earth knew him because it trembled when he died; the sun knew him because it hid the rays of its light when he died on the cross; (Saint Gregory the Great). Coming to know the Son of God changes our lives.
Have you ever gone to a party or a gathering with a gift, only to arrive and realize that the gift is wholly inappropriate for the recipient or the occasion? Imagine what the magi felt with their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh when they walked into the stable where Jesus was born. Perhaps their first thought was that they should have left those gifts in Herod’s palace. But then “they prostrated themselves and did him homage,” two things they did not do for Herod (Matthew 2:11). Despite the humble surrounding and humble parents, they recognized the King and presented their most appropriate gifts. Our response to the Father’s offer of salvation must be that of the Magi: To proclaim Christ’s Kingship, to adore his Godhead, and to acknowledge his mortality” (Saint Odilo of Cluny). Despite the humble surrounding and humble parents, they recognized the king and presented their most appropriate gifts.
Deacon Peter Smith serves at St. Mary’s/Holy Family Parish in Alabama, a retired Theology teacher from Holy Family Cristo Rey Catholic High School in Birmingham, a retired soldier from the US Air Force, and a member of our Passionist Family.