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.
REFLECTION
Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Most of us fuss over gifts. The best time for me to buy presents is for new borns. There are so many cute things to buy, the new mom is very tired and appreciative of the new clothes, stuffed toys, blankets, practical gifts of day to day needs. And we know they will be used. Perhaps it is a mother's longing for babies, but most important is the reality of a created new life. God breathed life into that baby.
The Magi, known as Balthasar, Melchior and Caspar, travelled many miles over desert and mountains to see Jesus. They brought "gifts befitting the Son of God; gifts to worship the Savior. Gold is to proclaim Christ's Kingship, incense is to adore His Godhead, and myrrh is to acknowledge his mortality." (St Odilo of Cluny)
Epiphany took its name from the Greek word ἐπῐφᾰ́νειᾰ / epipháneia, which refers to a deity's physical manifestation or revelation to mortals. Besides invoking childhood memories of the Three Kings cake and party, we should be present in the presence of God and His majesty, lying in His royal throne-the humble manger. His love for His creation is here to save the lowly, the poor and the afflicted.
It is a long-held Catholic tradition to bless one's home on Epiphany by using blessed chalk to write a special inscription above the home's entrance. For instance, in 2024, the inscription is 20+C+M+B+24. Why C+M+B? It stands for the Latin words Christus Mansionem Benedictat, which means “May Christ bless this house.” The letters can also stand for the traditional names of the Magi who visited Christ: Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar.
Jesus called the Magi. They came and adored Him. May we, as they, do the same and answer God's calling and then going out to tell all of Jesus Christ.
Happy Epiphany and remember whoever gets the baby Jesus in the Three Kings Cake hosts the party next year! !
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