Today we celebrate the Epiphany of the Lord, the manifestation of the divine glory of Jesus to the Magi. This is one of the greatest journey stories in all of Scripture. However, this story is about more than a journey, it is St Matthew’s way of making sure that throughout all generations we recognize that Jesus, Emmanuel came to earth as a human being for all people – including us. God, the Almighty Himself broke into everyday life to live among us. God stepped into human history.
The Magi who followed the Star of Bethlehem were scholars. They were serious astronomers who, when they saw the “star at its rising,” dropped everything they were doing to follow it. They studied the night sky watching for changes and movement. They knew this new star represented something extraordinary, the “newborn king of the Jews” and they were willing to make great sacrifices to find him. We don’t know exactly where they came from but St. Matthew implies that they traveled a great distance to get to Bethlehem. What is interesting to consider is that this star clearly was not invisible. Others must have seen it. The Scribes and Pharisees, the chief priests and scientists of Israel must have seen the star. But they did nothing to investigate. Pagan foreigners recognized the significance of the star and set out to find it.
All our readings today emphasize that Jesus was born for the people of all nations. The Magi were non-believers, pagans, gentiles, not worth any consideration in the eyes of the people of Israel, but they were the people who had the faith and humility to seek and welcome Jesus into our world. They did not know where the star would lead them. However, they pursued their journey of faith knowing that the end of their journey would reveal something spectacular, “the glory of the Lord.” On this Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord, we should ask ourselves, what star do I follow? Will I recognize a God sent star? What will I sacrifice to follow that star?
Father,
you revealed your Son to the nations
by the guidance of a star.
Lead us to your glory in heaven
by the light of faith.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God forever and ever.
Amen
