For the Epiphany of the Lord…
Then they opened their treasures
and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Matthew 2:11
Three wise men, journeying from another land, bringing gifts for the One whose star they had followed. It sounds almost like a fairy tale, or a quest of myth or legend. Can we fathom such a thing? And yet, when we think of making a pilgrimage, like walking the Camino, or visiting sacred shrines, we can. And we must. For in a Jubilee year, such as we are, we are invited to be pilgrims on pilgrimage with both a destination and a calling… to encounter Jesus, and to bring the hope of him to others.
The magi came to worship the Christ who was foretold. They brought suitable gifts: Gold for a king, frankincense for his divinity, and myrrh for his humanity—for one who would die. The Church has long taught that the magi worshipping Jesus, a little child whose godly and kingly identity was hidden to many, is a kind of foreshadowing of our adoration of Jesus in the Eucharist. His Real Presence is there; we kneel before him because we know the truth.
We must bring Jesus the treasure of our hearts… and venture to bring the treasure of Jesus to others.
Lord, Jesus, may we draw near to you with love and honor. And bring your hope to our world.
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