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January 6, 2024We come humbly today to the manger scene, just like the King depicted in this photo from the grounds of the Basilica. This King, in deference to Our Lord, humbles himself, kneeling in homage as he points the way to the Infant Savior, Our God Who humbled Himself to appear in our lowly world in order to bring salvation to it. Today, we commemorate one of the most celebrated feasts of the Church—in the East and in the West. It is truly celebrated all over the world. The Epiphany, which in Greek means to reveal or to manifest. It is also known as the Theophany—the appearance, or self-revelation of God. Known as Three Kings Day in many parts of Europe and in Latin countries, it is received with even more joy than Christmas. Christ is seen as revealed, not only as hope and salvation made as a promise to Israel but is revealed to all, including the Gentiles, to all of us.
Our tradition says that the magi were kings—however, historical research indicated that in the ancient Near East, there was a strong interest in the heavens and the belief that the stars played a part in guiding human history and human events. So, most probably, the magi were astronomers. What do these wise men tell us? They had an inner striving to search for something that transcended themselves—just like us. The star was sent to them to bring the magi to Him, just like we are brought to Him in our lives and we are to bring Him to others. The “Star” that they searched for—spoken in ancient times as awaiting a leader that would shine like a star to bring people out of captivity—the hope of a famous human leader in ancient Israel.
Some believe that perhaps, the heavenly event described near the birth of Jesus involved the conjunction of Jupiter, seen as the heavenly body that represented the pagan, gentile god of Babylon to that of Saturn, the heavenly body indicating the people of Israel. These planets reached their brightest manifestation together illustrating that since the stars ruled their lives, now the Star of Bethlehem would guide the stars. Thus, this light of Christ is manifested to all to guide all people in what each would do and become. Our tradition speaks of three wise men because there were three gifts: Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh. Gold for kingship (shepherding), Frankincense for a Priestly role (holiness) and Myrrh, a spice used in burial (as the prophets would announce the death of the Christ for our salvation). Strange gifts but not so strange for gifts to a heavenly King. In imitation of Our Lord, in His mission as Priest, Prophet and King, what will be the Frankincense of Our lives, the incense of our prayers, words and deeds that we offer our Lord as we move toward the light of Christ?
Let us receive the gift of the Lord, let us look upon Him made manifest. What do we see in our Lord? What gift do we offer? This New Year, let us strive to make the Lord manifest in our lives and the lives of others. And, just as the magi have done, let us discover the gift of our salvation in Jesus and let us show Him forth. Let us be a star, a beam of grace, a light leading others to Him, to His mission and to His love during this Holy time and always.
Graces and His Blessings in the New Year 2024,
Fr. John
