The Epiphany of the Lord

Today's Mass Readings

Today, we celebrate the feast of the Epiphany of the Lord. The Greek word “Epiphany” means “manifestation” or “appearance.” In the Gospel, Jesus is manifested and appears as a King who is adored.

This is somewhat surprising. After all, Jesus is not even a month old. Yet he is recognized as a King. The magi present him with gifts worthy of a king. They “opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.”

Who are these “magi?” Historically, they were a special class of people. Sometimes, the expression “magi” is translated as “wise men.” They advised people, especially kings. Other times, they are even called “kings” themselves.

We need to look at them more closely. Where do they live? What do they do? Do they stand for others? Do they teach us something?
They come from “the east,” searching for the king of the Jews. They came to Jerusalem, where there was already a king by the name of Herod. They must have thought that the newborn king would be in the palace of Herod.

But no. Herod knows nothing about a newborn king. In fact, the Gospel says that Herod was “greatly troubled.” We know from historians of that time that Herod was a very paranoid individual. In fact, he had already killed two of his sons because he was afraid that they would usurp the kingship from him.

But he had plenty of advisors and experts in Jewish law around him. So, he asked them for advice. They told him that in the Hebrew scriptures the “Christ” (which literally means the anointed one, the “Messiah,” the successor of King David) was to be born in Bethlehem.
Herod relayed this information to the magi and asked them to report back to him so that he “too may go and do him homage.” In fact, we know what the paranoid Herod will do. He will slaughter the innocents around Bethlehem, trying to eliminate any rival to his kingship.

The magi are wise. They knew how to interpret the stars. They sought wisdom from the Jewish experts in the scriptures. But they were also open to the divine warning they received in a dream and “departed for their country by another way.”

One final thing we should notice about the magi is that they are not members of the Chosen People. They are commonly referred to as “Gentiles” or “pagans.” This is important. They recognize the newborn Jesus as their King.

So, in today’s feast of the Epiphany of the Lord, the newborn Jesus is manifested as the King of all people. Let us bow down, like the magi did, and worship Him.

Reflection by Archbishop Jerome Hanus, OSB