Rest from the Journey: Epiphany

Readings for the Solemnity of the Epiphany

The Epiphany is a feast of grand proportions.  It centers on the manifestation of Jesus Christ to the whole world, with a special emphasis on the meeting of God and the Gentiles.  This meeting had been a long time coming - the promise to Abraham that his offspring would be a blessing to all the world, the travels of foreign leaders and dignitaries to meet Solomon and learn the wisdom of the God of Israel, the design of the temple and the Court of the Gentiles (from which Jesus would later drive the money-changers who were getting in the way of Gentile worship of the one, true God), the Diaspora, by which God's Word was spread through the Israelites dispersed into the foreign lands near and far.  This moment in history was the culmination of a series of events that only God could have guided.  The Magi from the East represent the hopes of every man, woman, and child.

The First Reading calls for Jerusalem to rise up, to awaken to the reality of God's presence among them.  It is foretold that the nations of the Gentiles will walk by their light, that Israel will lead all in the way of life and worship of God.  They shall receive the wealth of the nations and all peoples shall come to give God everything they have.  Then we hear of it, the people from the East shall come.  They shall come in droves.  They shall come bearing gifts of gold and frankincense, gifts for one who is both King and God.  In other places (cf. Song of Songs 4:6), frankincense, together with myrrh, represents an offering of the Bride (Israel) for the Groom (God), as the Church for Christ.

The Responsorial Psalm calls to mind that all nations are to adore God.  The King's son refers to Solomon, but spiritually refers to Christ, the descendant of David, who not only has the wisdom of Solomon, but is the Wisdom from on High.  He shall rule with justice and peace, He shall save the poor.  Him shall all nations worship.  The moment of the conversion of the Gentiles focuses on the Person of Jesus Christ.

The Second Reading focuses on the message that the Gentiles are coheirs in the Gospel.  They have been called and are now members of Christ, the one who fulfills the Law of the Old Covenant that made distinctions.

The Gospel shows the fulfillment of the previous readings.  Here is the moment of which I have spoken: that moment when the Magi, foreigners, appeared to worship God.  They were led by a star, they were led by their own belief in astrology.  God uses the religions of the Gentiles to prepare them for the Gospel.  Knowing these astrologers sought the Truth, God placed in the heavens a sign that would call out to them, that would lead them to seek His face, which He know made manifest in the face of a Jesus Christ.  Yet King Herod, a steward who should be holding the throne for the true Heir, is attached to his position.  His heart is closed to the Gospel.  He does not wish to hear the message of the Magi, except to ascertain where his Divine Enemy is.  He knows from his scholars that the Child is the Messiah, and on that account he believes the Scriptures, but he approaches them superstitiously, believing them to be mere prophecies by man about human affairs, and does not stop to consider that God would protect His Messiah until He can accomplish His mission.  In his superstition, he imitates a true believer, sending the Magi unwittingly to do his dirty work, but as could have been predicted, God saved His Messiah, Jesus Christ.  The Magi, however, noble pagans on an honest quest, prostrate before their God in humility, offering gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.  They know, from whatever reasoning they used, whatever private revelation might have been made to them, that this Child, the King of Israel, is God and the High Priest of God and the Sacrifice of the High Priest.  How glorious an epiphany that must have been: to see so great a sight in so lowly a face.

His Servant and Yours,

Micah