The second Sunday after Christmas is always celebrated as the feast of the Epiphany. The word ‘Epiphany’ can be used to describe a manifestation of a divine being; it can also denote a sudden revelation or insight. Then there is the definition we use in today’s liturgy, which specifically describes Christ’s revelation of his birth to the gentiles through the Magi.
Who are the three kings, aka wise men? There is little the scriptures tell us about them. We hear the magi came from the east following a star and they brought with them gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Tradition tells us that there were three and their names were Caspar, Balthazar, and Melchior. It is supposed they came from Persia and were members of a priestly class of people with some degree of wealth. Other than that, we really don't know much else.
So why does St. Matthew include this mysterious encounter between the Magi and the Christ-Child in his gospel?
First would be the example of these magi in seeking and greeting the Christ-Child. How remarkable that they would spend weeks and even months pursuing a star into a foreign land! What faith these royal men must have had to follow the gentle light of a mysterious star to a humble house in Bethlehem! What patience to endure the long travel into the unknown and to continue undiscouraged, even on cloudy nights when the star was obscured! What open hearts these marvelous men must have had to be stirred by the interior promptings of God's grace and the exterior stimulus of the star!
And when they arrived at the house where Jesus, Mary and Joseph were resting, what was their reaction? The gospel tells us that they were overjoyed, and when they saw the child with his mother, they prostrated themselves and did him homage. As a final gesture of reverence and devotion, they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These gifts, each worth a great deal, are also symbolically rich. Gold was given in homage to a king; here the Magi acknowledge Christ as the Kings of Kings. Frankincense was burnt in offering to God and often represented prayers rising to the almighty. Not only did the Magi hail him as King, but they also acknowledged him as Lord. Their final gift was myrrh. Myrrh was a wonderful-smelling ointment that was used in the embalming of the dead. This final gift of the Magi foreshadowed the saving death of Christ, which would redeem the world from sin, and death.
The behavior of the three kings gives us an opportunity to reflect on our own approach to worship.The wise men endured many hardships and a long journey into foreign lands to find the king who deserved their worship. They stopped at nothing to find him even though it would have been easy to throw in the towel. They persist and make sure they find the newborn king. Do we have this same tenacity and drive when it comes to worshipping God every week here at Mass? Do we make use of all the resources we have in order to make it to church for every Sunday and Holy Day of Obligation? Are we persistent in giving God his due, even when there are difficulties like scheduling conflicts, vacations, minor ailments, and fatigue? Do we keep praying daily and growing in our faith, even when we get busy, tired, or feel like we aren’t getting anything out of it? Or are we quick to let ourselves off the hook, presuming that God will understand? The example of the three kings reminds us that worshipping Christ, especially here at Mass and in adoration, is something we should take very seriously.
There is also something to be learned in their reaction upon entering into the presence of Christ. These were kings, men with power and authority. But when they come close to Jesus, even though he is a little baby, they adore him, they lower themselves in awe and worship, they literally lay down and offer him the finest gifts that they had. What a beautiful and living faith! It makes me wonder what they would do if they entered this church today and had the opportunity to receive the Body and Blood of Jesus in the Eucharist. How awestruck they would be! What reverence they would teach us!
With their example in mind, we ought to consider how we conduct ourselves in this church, where Jesus is resting in the tabernacle. Do we make it a point to genuflect thoughtfully when we enter and exit? Do we give him our full attention and arrive early enough to quiet our minds and hearts for worship? Or do we look around distractedly at everyone else in church? Or make it a time to chat with those around us with small talk or gossip? Or maybe break out the phone to check a text or respond to a message.
Finally, we ought to consider the way we come to receive Holy Communion. Do we display the humility and reverence of the three kings? Do we recognize the greatness of God, hidden under the humble appearance of bread and wine? Do we make sure to fast from all food and drink, except water and medicine at least one hour before we receive holy communion? This fast includes chewing gum and breath mints as well, which have no place in church. Do we receive the host carefully, deliberately, and reverently? Or, are we sloppy with the Eucharist, treating it almost as an afterthought or habitual practice? Do we make sure that our hands are clean and no particles of the host remain on our hands after receiving Holy Communion?
The example of reverence and humility displayed by the three kings in the gospel serves as a reminder to us about how we ought to approach God in worship. They help us to grow in our love and appreciation of God. Let us not be afraid to express our love and affection for the Lord, especially here in church, by the ways we pray and dress and conduct ourselves. It is holy to allow the affection we have for Christ express itself in our external actions. May we never forget we have the privilege of being in the presence of Almighty God and act accordingly. Learn from the three Kings we celebrate today, who were also regarded as wise. And may our worship at Incarnate Word parish radiate love, reverence, respect and humility, today and always.
