Solemnity of the Epiphany
“Manifestation of Christ the Light as Fulfillment of all Human Aspiration.”
Is 60:1-6; Ep 3:2-3,5-6; and Mt 2:1-12.
Dear friends, brothers and sisters in Christ,
1. Today’s feast celebrates the manifestation of Christ the Lord as the Light of revelation to all the world and the fulfillment of every human desire and aspiration. Some of the principal characters of today’s feast of manifestation presented to us in the Gospel text are the Magi, who came from the East (Oriental world) led by a star that had appeared in the sky, to pay homage to the newborn King of the Jews. They came bearing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. (cf. Mt 2:1-12).
2. The Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI of blessed memory takes us into a beautiful journey of discovering who these Magi were and what purpose they serve in the Christmas story [cf. Jesus of Nazareth, vol. 3, 92-111]. Most certainly, these Magi were non-Jews. They came from the pagan world; and they represent the first manifestation of the Gospel of light, its breaking forth into the darkness of the pagan world. Historical and exegetical studies have painted a cumulative image of these Magi as philosophers, scientists, astrologers, and leaders in the Persian religion. Beyond all these, however, the most important thing about them is that they were seekers of truth, reason why they are called wise men. They were open minded and moved by an interior disposition beyond mere astrology, such that they could recognize in the star they perceived something extraordinary. In this we likewise see the working of grace beyond mere astrology.
3. According to Babylonian astrology (mythical in character), they were able to divine that this particular star signaled the birth of universal significance, and precisely so, in the land of Judah. While the “how?” of this astrological science (or myths) may escape us today, the reality that it led these wise men to undertake such a journey is nothing short of divine providence guiding the course of the universe to serve a divine purpose. In fact, we recall on this day the words of prophecy spoken by the lips of the non-Israelite prophet Balaam: “I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near. A star will come out of Jacob; a scepter will rise out of Israel.” (Num 24:17). This accords with the prophecy contained in Jacob’s parting blessing on his son Judah in Genesis 49:10 – “The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until he to whom it belongs shall come and the obedience of the nations shall be his.”
4. Yes, the Magi indeed beheld the star that came out of Jacob. The truth, the light, the way, the very star of Jacob had dawned, and he himself was leading the way to this discovery as he led the Magi and brought them to do him homage, thereby manifesting the fulfillment of yet another prophecy by the prophet Simeon who, in beholding the baby Jesus (the very rising star), had cried out in joy: “At last all-powerful master, you may now let your servant go in peace, for my eyes have seen your salvation which you have prepared for all the nations, the light of revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.” (Lk 2:29-32). Hebrews 9:26 further describes Christ’s appearing as the culmination of the ages.
5. The ages culminate in Christ, and all longing terminates in him precisely because he is King of the universe. The very gifts of the Magi and their act of worship, that is, prostrating oneself and kissing the ground or the feet of the one adored, which was customary among the Persian religious and royal cults, was now offered to the baby Jesus in response to the revelation they had received. By this act, they acknowledged and proclaimed Jesus Christ as their new King and rejected any former deity or king. This story of the Magi is also interspersed with the fury of Herod for not being honored as king. This is no accident. It shows already that Jesus overthrows every earthly king and evil power structure, and proclaims a new kingdom of love, justice, and peace. His power is meek and gentle; and his rule is loving and merciful.
6. The gifts of the Magi already speak of the sort of King Jesus was. He was a king born unto death – the humblest means he freely chose to make his claim of lordship over us. Jesus sheds his own blood as the perfect sacrificial Lamb, the means by which he wins us from the grip of Satan and sin, from all evils of oppression, and death – our infernal enemy – and brings us with himself to the kingdom of the Father: a kingdom of love, justice, and peace. The gift of gold which the Magi gave him is a symbol of Christ’s kingship; the gift of frankincense, a symbol of his divinity; and the gift of myrrh (an embalming ointment), a symbol of his death. Furthermore, by means of these gifts, the prophecy of Isaiah in today’s first reading comes to fruition. The prophet says, “Arise, shine out, Jerusalem for your light have come, the glory of the Lord is rising on you… At this sight you will grow radiant… everyone in Sheba will come, bringing gold and incense and singing the praise of the Lord.” (Is 50:1-6). Yes, the Gentiles too, the people of Sheba too have seen the light of Christ.
7. Dear friends, the Magi, the people of Sheba, and ultimately the people of Israel are our forebears in the faith. Through them and through the apostles and prophets, we too have received the light of revelation – Christ Jesus our Lord. He alone is the Lord and King. Therefore, in the words of Benedict XVI’s Spiritual Testament, I say to you my friends, “Stand firm in the faith! Do not be confused! Jesus Christ is truly the Way, the Truth, and the Life – and the Church, in all her shortcomings, is truly His Body.” May our lips proclaim him in whom our hearts have believed, our manner of life be a ceaseless hymn of praise and worship unto him, and our faith and goodness a light of revelation that brings others to Jesus. May no earthly kings and other powers claim our attention away from Jesus Christ.
To God be the glory and honor forever and ever. Amen.
Fr. Anthony D. Lawir,
Pastor, St. Agnes and Our Lady of the Snows Parishes, Pittsfield and Dexter.