Did you know that the only reason we say that there were three wise men is that they brought three gifts? And these special gifts—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—tell us much.
When one king visited or sent an ambassador to another, he would give a gift of gold to show that he acknowledged the kingship of the other. The second gift is a type of incense, which was used in Jesus’ time to worship God. The gift of myrrh is oil used to anoint the dying. So, these gifts remind us of Jesus’ kingship, divinity, and his dying for us.
So, what gifts do we have for Jesus? Maybe we can take a hint from the wise men. If we acknowledge Jesus as king, maybe a better gift than gold would be to pledge our obedience to him. A better way than burning incense to pay homage to Jesus’ divinity is to take time to pray throughout the day. As for the gift of myrrh, we can give Jesus the crosses we bear each day.
The song “Little Drummer Boy” reminds us that the best gift is not necessarily the most expensive. Instead, it is the simple gift that only we can give. Let Epiphany remind us to offer our lives to Jesus each day.
Tom Schmidt – Diocesan Publications.
The Magi came to honor the new King. They were guided by the scriptures and the star.
We, too, can read the prophesies of the coming of Jesus.
We, too, can see the opposition to the new King.
It is a great challenge to believe and a privilege to offer Him homage in this day.
Can we put ourselves into this gospel of the coming of the Magi?
Can we offer Him the homage due to Him and His gift to us?
Readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/010823.cfm
For the Feast of Mary, the Mother of God, and for the Feast of the Epiphany, we see the reality of Jesus, God with us.
Jesus came to us in very humble settings. Yet, He was affirmed by the three wise men as a King worthy of homage.
Jesus is also worthy of our homage, not just as a King, but also as a source of our joy of this Christmas season and beyond.
Jesus has come into the world, once again, through the liturgy. He offers us yet another year of joy and grace. His mother, Mary, was the bearer of these gifts.
Are we ready to accept His presence and to live out the gift that He has given to us?
Readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/010222.cfm
The prophesied Messiah impacted the world from the moment of His birth.
The Magi traveled a long distance hoping to find him.
They were not Jews, yet they understood the significance of this child.
Herod understood too and sensed a threat to his authority, and so it continues to this day.
Some today see Christ as their hope, Savior, and miracle.
Others see Christ as a treat to their way of life, yet others simply ignore the reality of His presence.
Does Jesus have a place in your heart? Who do you say that He is?
Readings:
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/010321.cfm
The three Magi represent the manifestation of Jesus in the world.
They followed their prophecy and the star to find the new King.
They followed their heads and their hearts to experience the utmost of wonder.
Can we risk a difficult journey to find what we too know in the utmost of wonder?
Will we bring the gift of our lives to the New Born King?
– Jesus, the light of the world, has come into the world and his glory shines upon us and enlightens us
– The Magi saw the light of God in the sky and risked everything to follow that light
– They were overjoyed and upon seeing Jesus with Mary and they worshipped him
– As the Magi worshipped Jesus in joy, let us worship him in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, begging our Lady to intercede for us as we do so
– As we receive the light of the world in Holy Communion this day and as we believe in his holy name, let us recognize the power of God to make us his children
