Gospel of Matthew, chapter 2:1-2

Christian imagination has been captured by the Magi from the time Matthew first told the story. Who were they? Where in the east did they come from? Were they kings? In the world into which Jesus was born, the word ‘magos’ could mean various things: a member of Persia’s priestly caste; the possessor of occult knowledge; a magician; a charlatan.

The mention of the star suggests that Matthew was talking about astrologers. Some modern astrologers maintain that the star which the Magi saw was actually Halley’s Comet. Whatever the truth of the matter, one thing is obvious, and that is that Matthew recounted a beautiful and gripping story.

Matthew portrays Jesus in this story as being accepted by the Gentiles while being rejected by His own people. This theme is not novel in the New Testament, but Matthew gives it an interesting twist. He contrasts Herod who was gifted with God’s word in the Old Testament with the Magi. They followed their inner voice-their star-and were led to Jesus. Herod felt threatened by a harmless child and tried to have him killed while the pagan, gentile world recognized Him as a savior.

The word Epiphany means manifestation. Matthew shows that our faith must be open to on-going manifestations; it must grow and touch as many people as possible in many different ways. Jesus’ message of redemption is for everyone, not just the Jews who rejected Him. “He came among His own,” the scripture says, “but His own did not accept Him.”

It may surprise you to learn that a quarter of American Catholics have been alienated from the church. Perhaps they divorced, remarried, and now feel unwanted. They may have been offended by a priest, or another member of the church, and feel isolated or rejected. Yet, they are our family, our friends, and our neighbors. Let us invite them to return; let us welcome them home in the spirit of the Epiphany.

If each of us were to bring just one person back to Christ, what a stream of people would be homeward bound from the east and from the west! What an Epiphany we would have!

Fr. Hugh Duffy