Greetings on this the Epiphany of the Lord
Readings: Isaiah 60:1-6; Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13.; Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6; Matthew 2:1-12
Summary
Jesus Refulsit Omnium” (“Jesus, Light of All the Nations”), written by St. Hilary of Poitier in the fourth century. It is the oldest known Christmas song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMJnlPHqch0
When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.”
This Gentile, gift-bearing visitor story is an early expression of the inclusion of all peoples in the Messianic mission of Jesus. The most important point is Jesus came to save all nations, you and me. The gifts represent the perspective to have about Jesus (King, Divine, the Lamb).
They saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Gifts appropriate for a divine, king-lamb.
- Gold – the Kingship of Jesus. The magi’s gifts were not simply a demonstration of wealth – they conveyed deeper meaning. The gold represents Jesus’ kingship.
- Frankincense – the Deity of Jesus. The frankincense represents Jesus’ deity. In the Old Testament, frankincense was traditionally burned in the temple as an offering to God (Leviticus 2:2). By bringing this gift, the Magi affirmed Jesus was no ordinary man; he is both fully man and fully God.
- Myrrh – the Death of Jesus. Commonly used to embalm bodies, the gift of myrrh foreshadows Jesus’ death. We see in John 19:38-40 that Nicodemus brought myrrh at the time of Jesus’ burial.
See the full Epiphany article here: https://www.nationalshrine.org/blog/what-the-gifts-of-the-magi-tell-us-about-jesus/
Reflection
At the Vigil Mass yesterday the presiding priest (Fr Bob) made a wonderful observation in his homily. That is, the first encounter of gentiles with Jesus was a personal encounter with the Lord. Up close and personal. Gifts exchanged (the divine blessing is assumed). Divine protection for the baby and for the kings. Once the kings visited Jesus, and having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way.
There is a dual message. Divine protection and change of direction. They were changed and heeded the inspirations of the Holy Spirit into a new life. A new life in the Christ.
Personal Reflection
What gifts do we exchange with Jesus? Remember the story of the Little Drummer Boy? It is a story of how the simplest gift, given authentically, brings a smile to the face of Jesus. All he wants is an exchange of love for he loved you first.
Music selection Little Drummer Boy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJ_MGWio-vc
Sacred Readings Full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/010525.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry