The Epiphany of the Lord

Good News Reflection
The Epiphany of the Lord
January 6, 2010

Today's Readings:
Isaiah 60:1-6
Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-13
Eph 3:2-3, 5-6
Matt 2:1-12
http://www.universalis.com/20100106/mass.htm
USCCB Podcast of the Readings for Epiphany:
http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/10_01_03.mp3

The Epiphany of the Lord

The Season of Christmas ends with the celebration of the arrival of the magi from the East.

The Greek word "magi" meant oriental scientists. Despite sometimes being translated as "astrologers", their appearance at the manger does not validate astrology. Matthew included the magi in his Gospel to show that Jesus was born to bring salvation to all, Gentiles as well as Jews. No one who humbles himself before Jesus, paying homage to his divine-and-human presence, is excluded from the kingdom of God. No one.

Contrary to popular legends, the magi were not kings, even though post-biblical writings often referred to them as kings because of the royal gifts they brought. It's not their kingship that the gifts represent; it's the Messianic kingship of Jesus. The magi prophetically testified with these gifts that Jesus was a divine king who would die: Gold honored Jesus as king, incense as divine, and myrrh as a preparation for his death. Eventually, the gifts also came to symbolize our Christian response: gold represents our righteousness, incense our prayers, and myrrh our sufferings for Christ.

The word "epiphany" means a moment of discovery, a revelation that changes our lives. Did the magi recognize the baby Jesus as the world's savior? It was a common belief at the time that all kings were divine – they were gods living among us until they died. Did the magi have an epiphany about the permanent kingship of Jesus when they came into his presence?

Surely after this pilgrimage they never forgot about him and they kept their ears open for news from Jerusalem about him. Surely they learned about the King of the Jewswho was crucified. At some point, they became very saintly Christians; their relics still exist and have been venerated since very early times. (For more on this, see the Good News WordByte, "The Christmas Magi: What Do We Know About Them?" athttp://wordbytes.org/doctrine/magi.htm.)

Without a doubt, the magi worshiped Jesus, even if they didn't fully understand why until later.

Questions for Personal Reflection:
In what ways do you pay homage to Jesus? Reflect on how this assures you of your salvation.

Questions for Community Faith Sharing:
Describe an epiphany you had during a time of suffering. How did it increase your righteousness? How did it affect your prayer life? These are your royal gifts for Jesus!

ONLINE FAITH SHARING: If you're a member of the "Emmaus Journey" e-group, share your answers by writing to EmmausJourney@gnm.org
* To join and become a member, go to:
http://gogoodnews.net/GNMcommunities/EmmausJourney/

© 2010 by Terry A. Modica
This work is NOT in Public Domain, and should NOT be copied without permission.For PERMISSION and info on how to copy this reflection, g o to:
http://gogoodnews.net/DailyReflections/copyrights-DR.htm

Seeking a past reflection?
Click this button to register for the searchable Archive Library of the Good News Reflections. One week access is free as a special gift to subscribers of these emailed reflections.

WAS THIS FORWARDED TO YOU BY A FRIEND?
To sign up for your own subscription, go to:
http://gogoodnews.net/DailyReflections

Why do I need you as a partner in my daily ministry?
Please help with a donation, including non-financial support. Good News Ministries affects countless lives around the world, including in countries where people have no Catholic Mass and where Christianity is persecuted. continue...
Join the cause on facebook and help spread the message!

Note: Good News Ministries is a non-profit organization that accepts donations as support for its ministries but does not charge for anything. Catholic Digital Resources™ is Terry Modica's publishing house providing professional writing services; the income from this will eventually support the future growth and projects of Good News Ministries. Please spread the word; tell your DRE, RCIA Director, pastor, etc. about what's available for parishes at Catholic Digital Resources™.

______________________________________________________________
This is the "Good News Reflections - American Edition" mailing list.
MANAGE YOUR SUBSCRIPTION:
Change your address
Unsubscribe