January 8
The Epiphany of the Lord
“Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.”
Reflection
The focus of the feast of the Epiphany is on the Wise Men or Magi. They were royal astronomers who had detected a star in the sky which led them to Jesus.
An interesting theory is that these magi came from Babylon, a country that is noted for the quality of its scholarly pursuits in astronomy. Theologians connect the story of these astronomers who visit Jesus and Daniel the prophet of God who was exiled to Babylon hundreds of years before and who interpreted the dreams of King Nebuchadnezzar. Daniel is said to have been friends with these astronomers who were a kind of Babylonian royalty. Through Daniel’s interactions with them, they were made aware of the biblical prophecies and especially the coming of Jesus as a little child who was destined to save men from their sins.
The prophecies of Isaiah and the writer of Psalm 72 spoke of the coming of caravans of camels and dromedaries which will bring gold and frankincense to the one who will “govern the people with Justice and the afflicted ones with judgment” and “rescue the poor when he cries out.” These magi were aware of these prophecies and the star that they followed brought them face to face with Jesus- the one about whom they were focused.
The gospel of Matthew continues this story with the Magi meeting King Herod, who we are told was “greatly troubled” when he heard that someone else could be called the King of the Jews. No doubt, he was troubled, since he had murdered everyone he thought could share his title. His troubles quickly became the troubles of the people of Judea who Herod would take his anger out on.
What the Epiphany means for us is that Jesus has come for all people, not just those who were of the Jewish race. God’s plan has been brought to fruition for every single person in the world who recognizes who Jesus truly is–the Messiah. The Magi were the first non-Jews to recognize Jesus’ kingship. We should do the same.
Keep the faith,
Deacon Dare
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