Epiphany celebrates three epiphanies, appearances, of the Lord among us: the Nativity and adoration of the Magi, the Baptism and the Wedding Feast of Cana. It is the earliest celebration of the birth of Jesus. It is still the more important celebration in the Eastern Churches, which use a different calendar to observe the feast day. This is the earliest calendar date on which the feast can occur in the West. Although the traditional date is Jan. 6, the 12th day of Christmas, it is moved to the Sunday after Jan. 1, when it is not observed as a holy day of obligation.  

First Reading: Isaiah 60:1-6

This passage is from the third section of the Book of Isaiah, chapters 56-66.  It was probably written during or after the Return from Exile in Babylon. It expressed a great hope in the promises of God. The salvation of the Jews was to be a benefit for all people. The People of God had a purpose and mission for the other nations of the world in demonstrating the power and providence of God.

These verses begin a two chapter nucleus in this section of Isaiah that promises salvation and reinstatement by God. God’s promise is centered in Jerusalem, which will serve as a sign for the whole world. The Lord will overshadow the power and wealth of the Babylonians, who overwhelmed the people of Judah. Just as the Hebrews were freed from slavery in Egypt in the Exodus and despoiled the Egyptians (Exodus 12:36), so the returnees from exile in Babylon will receive riches from all over the Arab trading world.

Second Reading: Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6

The Letter to the Ephesians is one of the deutero-Pauline letters. It may have been written by people who continued the style and themes of Paul after his death. Ephesus was a city at the west end of Asia Minor. It was a seaport that exhibited Greek culture.

The author emphasizes the revelation, which has come through the Holy Spirit. It was not a knowledge that came from human wisdom. Salvation was extended beyond Israel. The Gentiles are called “coheirs… members… copartners.” There is only one “body” of believers. The presence of the Spirit assures that the promise in Christ Jesus does not contradict what God has already said through “his holy apostles and prophets.”  

Gospel: Matthew 2:1-12

The evangelist gives a foundation for the mission of the Church to the Gentiles by including them in the adoration of the child, Jesus. Early interpreters, Justin Martyr (c.103-165 AD) and Origen (185-254 AD), saw a connection of the story of the Magi with the story of Balaam, a magician, and his prophecy that “a star shall advance from Jacob” in Numbers 24:17.

The phenomenon of the star that could be seen even during the daytime has been explained as a conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter (which occurred in 7/6 BC) or a comet or a supernova. Stories about the appearance of a special star with the birth of a future powerful and important figure were not unusual. They demonstrated the cosmic importance of the individual for the world.

Venerable Bede (672-735 AD) interpreted the three gifts to be presented by three magi, representing the three continents of Asia, Africa and Europe. In the fourth century, an interpretation of the three magi reflected the three men in the fiery furnace, who defied an evil ruler. This was also the same number as the sons of Noah, who populated the earth in Genesis 9:19. From about the seventh century, they have been known as Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar. Magi were from Persia, which was about 1,000-1,200 miles away along the trade route. It would have taken more than three months for a caravan to travel that distance.

Jerusalem figures prominently at the beginning and end of Jesus’ life. His victory over the forces that sought His elimination is also repeated. The high point of the story is when the Magi “saw the child and Mary, His mother.” Joseph is not mentioned. Also, they entered “the house.” A house represented the family, who inhabited it.

Visible signs may not always be seen and interpreted by different people in the same way. When the sign for handicapped accessible first appeared, my mother saw it in connection to the use of the rest rooms. She didn’t see it in the same way that the people who developed the sign had intended.

Sometimes it is necessary to be sure that we have the correct and intended meaning for a visual sign or story. The Magi teach us that we find the full meaning of life only at the end of our journey, after we have faced discouragement and opposition from those who do not see the same possibilities. The Star of Bethlehem, Jesus Christ, still shows us the way!

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Fr. Richard C. Macey is pastor of Our Lady of the Woods Parish, Woodhaven.