Epiphany of the Lord

Link to Mass Readings: http://www.usccb.org/nab/010211.shtml

“It was not made know to people in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: that the Gentles are coheirs, member of the same body, and copartners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.”

The magi, while really arriving in their own person, are also symbols of the nations that will one day come before Christ to pay him honor. Christ Jesus reconciled the world to himself on the cross, and in the Gospel, we see the foreshadowing of that when the magi visit Him after His birth.

We also see the reluctance of the Israelites to see their hope fulfilled. Jesus came in a time when Israel was conquered by the Romans, and many Israelites were becoming accustomed to new ways, and new ideas. Israel was becoming more secular, and giving loyalty to Caesar in Rome rather than God. When the magi came proclaiming that the Messiah had come, it was at an awkward time. The Israelites had always thought of the Messiah as a military conqueror, who would liberate Israel from its oppressors. The Messiah would be the earthly king of the Jews, and for those in power under Caesar, the Messiah would certainly be their ruin. So the question becomes, accept the Messiah we proclaim to be waiting for and reject the Empire of Rome, or accept Rome and reject the Messiah promised by God?

We aren’t told if the chief priests and the scribes knew of Herod’s plan. Scripture only tells us that they were troubled at the king of the Jews being born. Maybe they only were worried, but didn’t make a decision either way. Their situation is the realization of the question, “what do you do when you’re hopes of salvation are realized?”

It is their shame, that the leaders of the Israelites were not there to do Jesus homage. Foreigners who may, or may not, have been believers came to see Jesus. And not just of curiosity, but of a sincere desire to bring gifts to the Christ.

The magi are proof that God calls the hearts of everyone at all times to Himself, and that no one is outside the reach of God. Everyone, inside the Church or out, can bring gifts to God and honor him. But they are also brought to God, to the Church. Christ came to reconcile the world to himself; everyone is now copartners in Christ, and coheirs to the promise.