account is the only one that includes the story of the Magi. From the outset, this narrative unfolds with all the elements of a compelling drama—it features long and arduous journeys, mysterious astrologers, the appearance of a guiding star that may have originated from a supernova, and the ever-present shadow of danger. Political intrigue weaves through the plot, alongside divine messages delivered through dreams and holy whisperings, all centering around a vulnerable newborn child.
Matthw emphasizes the universal scope of Jesus’ mission, showing
that his message is not limited to any single group. Over centuries, Christian
imagination, legend, and tradition have embellished Matthew’s story. The
original text does not specify that the Magi were wise, that they were men, or
kings, nor does it indicate that there were three of them, that they came from
the Orient, or what their mode of travel was. Matthew’s narrative also omits
their names. Ultimately, it is not the details that hold the greatest
importance, but rather the deeper meaning Matthew intended to convey.
Matthew wrote this story to reveal a profound mystery: God is now
made known to all nations. The revelation of God in Christ is for the
transformation of all humanity—across every nation and throughout all of
history.
The Magi were Gentiles, originating from the Persian priestly class in the East—regions corresponding to present-day Iraq and Iran. Renowned as star-gazers, they closely studied the movements of the planets and stars. These individuals were recognized as wisdom figures, adept at interpreting dreams, and skilled in areas such as medicine, natural science, and astrology.
In the ancient world, it was widely believed that the Magi
possessed the ability to predict the future through their observations of the
stars, and that a person’s destiny was determined by the star uner which they were born.
While scholars are uncertain which star the Magi saw, it was clear to them that
this celestial sign indicated the arrival of a king into the world.
The Magi have come to represent the entire Gentile world.
According to medieval legends, they were named Melchior, Balthazar, and Gaspar.
Each figure was said to come from a distinct culture: Melchior from Asia,
Balthazar from Persia, and Gaspar from Ethiopia, together symbolizing the three
races known to the ancient world.
Author John Shea recounts a legend in which the Magi were of
different ages: Gaspar was young, Balthazar was in his middle years, and
Melchior was elderly. As they arrived at the cave in Bethlehem, each entered
one at a time. Melchior encountered an old man like himself, and they spoke of
memory and gratitude. Balthazar, entering next, met a teacher of his own age,
and they discussed leadership and responsibility. When Gaspar entered, he was
greeted by a young prophet, and together they spoke of reform and promise.
When the three met outside the cave, they realized that although
each had gone in to see a newborn child, each had met someone corresponding to
his own age. Gathering their gifts, they entered together a second time. There,
in the manger on a bed of straw, they found a child twelve days old.
The underlying message is that God addresses every stage of life. The young hear
the call to identity and intimacy; those in middle age are called to
generativity and responsibility; and elders are invited to seek integrity and
wisdom. In seeking Christ at every stage of our lives, we are also gifted with
the opportunity to find our truest selves.
This journey is not a one-time event; it is an ongoing invitation.
The mystery of Epiphany is that “God is perfectly hidden and perfectly
revealed.” Each time we seek and encounter the divine, we are both challenged
and transformed.
After experiencing the face of God in the fragile, tender child,
the Magi gain a new and profound awareness that all are welcomed, accepted, and
loved by this newborn King. Their encounter with Jesus changes them deeply,
inspiring them to live their lives in a new way.
God speaks to the Magi in their dreams, warning them of the danger
awaiting if they return to Herod. Having been in God’s presence, they
understand that they must abandon their old, familiar paths and embark on new
journeys, ready to follow new stars.
The Magi leave with a renewed sense of inner knowledge, filled
with joy and awe. They cherish the meaning and mystery of their personal
encounter with the one who is beyond all galaxies—the Prince of Peace!
The feast celebrated today powerfully reminds us that, in the eyes
of God, there are no foreigners, strangers, aliens, or outsiders. Regardless of
our outward physical or cultural differences, each of us is welcomed and
belongs to God. Our religious beliefs or personal lifestyles do not separate us
from God’s love and acceptance. God is inclusive, unpredictable, imaginative,
compassionate, forgiving, and creative, embracing everyone without exception.
This feast also calls us to become “epiphany people.” Once we have
encountered this message, there is no going back; instead, we are invited to
continually “shine forth” with courage, compassion, vision, and hope. We are
encouraged to live with a courageous hearts, remaining deeply engaged with
humanity and responding to the call to make a difference in our own unique
ways.
Let us welcome the graces offered through these readings and this
celebration, recognizing that it is in the liturgy—through sharing the Word and
breaking the bread together—that we, too, become “epiphany people.” In this
sacred space, we encounter God, the Holy Mystery, and are transformed. We are
invited to reflect on the seasons of our own lives, remembering the times when
God has been revealed to us and called us to set out on new journeys, guided by
a new star.
Finally let us pray in a poet’s words- Macrina Wiederkehr:
Creator of the Stars; God of Epiphanies
You are the Great Star; You have marked our paths with light
You have filled our sky with stars naming
each star
Guiding it until it shines into our hearts
Awakening us to deeper seeing
New revelations
And brighter epiphanies!
Rev. 2025
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