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.”
When King Herod heard this,
he was greatly troubled,
and all Jerusalem with him.
Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people,
He inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.
They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea,
for thus it has been written through the prophet:
And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
since from you shall come a ruler,
who is to shepherd my people Israel.”
Then Herod called the magi secretly
and ascertained from them the time of the star’s appearance.
He sent them to Bethlehem and said,
“Go and search diligently for the child.
When you have found him, bring me word,
that I too may go and do him homage.”
After their audience with the king they set out.
And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them,
until it came and stopped over the place where the child was.
They were overjoyed at seeing the star,
and on entering the house
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.
And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod,
they departed for their country by another way. MT 2:1-12
Epiphany means the event, more so, the revelation (to reveal) of Christ to the world. Now that we have hindsight is gold, frankincense and myrrh really enough to introduce the God-Man into the world? There is no material thing we can give, but the Magi did the best they could. They were Wise men. They all had material wealth, they were Kings. As the most powerful in the world, they recognized the greatest power, Jesus Christ, God in the flesh. They journeyed very far from their kingdoms to follow a light. They believed there was something much greater than themselves. All of our hearts desire something much greater than any material possession, we desire joy, peace, love. The Epiphany celebrates the One who gave us the greatest gifts which are on earth in glimpses and eternally in our heavenly home. Do you want temporary or forever?
Today’s challenge: What material gifts did you receive that will bring you closer to Christ this Christmas? Go to a Catholic bookstore and invest yourself in a book that the Holy Spirit moves you to buy. Allow yourself to be totally consumed by God who came into this world 2,000 years ago and today remains with us until He returns.
Become a saint!
Christian YOLO
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