January 3, 2021

Solemnity of the Epiphany

“Gifts That Come with Lessons”

Msgr. Thomas Gervasio

The Epiphany is a marvelous solemnity. We might even call it exotic considering how Magi from Persia, most likely astrologers and Zoroastrian priests ventured into the sleepy town of Bethlehem. It was a time when people throughout the world, were expecting the dawn of a new age and the arrival an all-powerful leader.

Interpreting the great star as a sign of this event, the Magi followed it to the Christ Child. They fulfilled the prophecy we heard from Isaiah and which is echoed by St. Paul. The Messiah revealed to Israel in the persons of the shepherds, is now manifested to all people in the persons of the Magi: “All gather and come to you…your sons come from afar…dromedaries…shall come bearing gold and frankincense…the Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and co-partners in the promise in Christ Jesus…”

We know the Magi were men…because they became disoriented and stopped at the palace of King Herod in Jerusalem for directions and to clarify their interpretation of the star’s sign. When Herod was told that the Messiah would come from Bethlehem, St. Matthew tells us that he was “deeply troubled and with him all Jerusalem.” Already we hear the rumblings of opposition to Jesus which would result too, in the slaughter of the Holy Innocents. After their audience with Herod, and the star led the Magi to Jesus.

They presented three gifts. This is why we assume there were three Magi. These gifts identify the person and mission of Jesus. They also possess a meaning for us.

Gold denotes the Christ’s Kingship. For us it is a reminder of the obedience we owe to Him. Our Lord’s whole life was one of complete obedience to the Father and so it is a virtue expected of his followers. It is not easy, inclined as we are to self-seeking and personal preferences. Obedience to the commandments, to the precepts of the Church should be for us a sign of love…that I want what God wants and I reject what he rejects.

This was the path taken by Our Lady, St. Joseph, and the saints. It should be our path. Obedience is the challenge of learning to place God at the center of life.

Frankincense was used in temple worship and is used even today in the liturgy. The fragrant smoke rising in the sanctuary symbolizes our prayers rising up to God. It also gives a sense of the transcendent, that we are between heaven and earth. This gift reminds us that our worship should be always reverent, sincere, and humble. It is a reminder that our encounter with the Lord in the Eucharist should be worthy and that often means, preparing through prayer and sacramental confession.

Myrrh is perhaps the most unusual gift since it is was a resin used in Jewish rites of burial. It was then a foreshadowing of the Lord’s death. Myrrh was also thought to have medicinal properties and so it also symbolizes the Lord’s healing ministry. For us it is a reminder that our life involves sacrifice and that that the cross is central to discipleship. The cross is the Lord’s promise to us and what really aligns us with him. We must learn how to carry the cross and not drag it through life. As a symbol of the Lord’s healing ministry, it reminds us that we should work to bring healing into lives that are hurting and broken.

Filial Obedience, Sincere Worship, Sacrifice and Healing…these can be our gifts to the Infant King. It’s no wonder then that St. John Paul II called Epiphany, “the Feast of God’s Challenge!”