Epiphany is an ancient feast in the church. The date was fixed on January 6 because that was the date of the winter solstice, which celebrated the rising of the sun god. Light was returning, the days growing longer. The word “epiphany” means “manifestation,” or “appearance.” Thus, we celebrate Christ as the Light of the World; who dispels our sin and darkness.
In the gospel reading for this feast the Magi or the Wise men represent the mystery of god made manifest in human beings. By their very nature the wise men are seekers, people who came looking for the “king of the Jews.” Where would they find this royal child? Not in the courts of the powerful, like Herod. He was an example of how those in power would react to the gentle one who would draw all people into his realm. Jesus was not born in a mighty city, nor was he an heir to a powerful ruler. Instead, he was born in Bethlehem, it was a backwater in the eyes of those of Herod’s court and the religious leaders in Jerusalem. Through the “least,” and the poor, Christ comes to us. That’s a lesson the church and its people need to continually learn and proclaim. We, like the Magi, will find Christ among the “least.” and this is the message, the humble message that lies at the heart of our faith.
Matthew in his Gospel was writing for Jewish converts. So, in telling the story of the Magi foreigners, he was encouraging those converts to welcome the Gentiles who were coming into the church. In a way, today’s reading is a summary of the entire gospel: Jesus is the “appearance” (epiphany) of the Messiah and the fulfillment of the Hebrew Scriptures. The political powers are troubled at the news, but Jesus will establish a new Israel that will embrace the outsiders – the Gentiles (Matthew 8:11). Today’s gospel echoes the Isaiah reading which describes the final days when Jerusalem will shine like a bright star and draw all nations together, “bearing gold and frankincense and proclaiming the praises of the Lord.” The birth of Jesus is a supernova of brightness with which we can see God’s continuing intervention in human history it also leads to a new hope, a new appreciation of the presence of God among us. Today, the call of the Savior is extended to each of us. What do we hear? will we welcome him? Will we be humble enough to believe? With God’s grace, we can do all these things for nothing is impossible for those who have faith.
Fullerton T 