The associated reading for this reflection can be found in your Every Sacred Sunday Mass journal or online here.
Happy feast of the Epiphany! Today is a special day in the liturgical year: we celebrate the three Wise Men, or Magi, finally reaching their destination after a long and likely difficult journey. The Magi were believed to be men who studied the heavens and found deep symbolism in the great star, which is why they chose to follow it. Matthew tells us that they asked Herod, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.” Upon their arrival, Matthew recalls that they offered gold (for a king), frankincense (for a priest), and myrrh (a burial ointment for one who will die).
The Magi worshiping the King of the Jews is foreshadowed in the other readings for today. Isaiah writes, “Caravans of camels shall fill you, dromedaries from Midian and Ephah; all from Sheba shall come bearing gold and frankincense, and proclaiming the praises of the LORD.” Likewise, the Psalm predicts, “The kings of Tarshish and the Isles shall offer gifts; the kings of Arabia and Seba shall bring tribute. All kings shall pay him homage, all nations shall serve him.”
Because we are so familiar with this imagery — we have Magi with our Nativity sets and sing songs about Three Kings of Orient — the significance of this moment is easily lost in the narrative. The presentation of the Magi symbolizes the spread of God’s Word to the Gentiles. Previously, God came to the Jews and God resided with the Jews. Now, God was to be worshiped by all. The Son of God comes so that the whole world might be invited into His presence. But this would have been a radical event for those at the time, one rich with symbolism and beauty.
May you be ever guided by the star to seek the Lord and do him homage. Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar, pray for us!
Marissa Rankin is an active cantor within the Diocese of Nashville. She loves her husband and rescue pups, Esther and Ewok! She is the creator and founder of the brand new marriage ministry Covenant (just launched September 2021!) where she aspires to help Catholic couples and remind the Church that marriage is a vocation, too! And today is her one-year wedding anniversary, yay! Check out Covenant on Instagram and Facebook.