For the Epiphany of the Lord…
…behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews?”
Matthew 2:1-2
The term magi is the plural of an old Persian word meaning priests or wise men. They were noble pilgrims “from the east.” We may wonder why these non-Jewish wise men would travel at least 1,200 miles to Jerusalem to pay homage to the newborn king of the Jews. St. Matthew says it was that star or heavenly light that attracted them to seek and find a two-year-old future king.
The Jewish people knew the Hebrew Scriptures had foretold the coming of a king, a messiah, but many assumed he was for the Jews only. However, these gentiles felt this celestial light was an invitation for them to come to offer homage and present gifts to this royal child. This was surprising; it was an epiphany, a clear sign from God that Jesus would be the Lord and Savior of all people, from everywhere.
What a surprise revelation!
Contributor, Living Faith
This is a guest post from Fr. James McKarns. Learn more about him at LivingFaith.com.
