Gospel: Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord

Today we celebrate the Epiphany of the Lord, and the Gospel reading will be proclaimed from the account of St Matthew (tap here for the Mass readings from USCCB).

The visit of the Magi occurs directly before the story of the Holy Family's flight into Egypt. St Matthew's Gospel tells a version of Jesus' birth that is different than the one in St Luke's. Of the actual birth of Jesus, St Matthew tells us little more than, "When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod . . ." and nothing more. The story of the census is found only in the Gospel of St Luke, but we hear the visit of the Magi as a unique entry in St Matthew's Gospel.

We know little about the Magi. They come from the East and journeyed to Bethlehem, following an astrological sign, so we believe them to be astrologers. We assume that there were three Magi based upon the naming of the three gifts. The Gospel does not say how many Magi paid homage to Jesus. In St Matthew's Gospel, they represent the Gentiles' search for a savior. Because the Magi represent the entire world, they also represent our search for Jesus.

We have come to consider the gifts they bring as a foreshadowing of Jesus' role in salvation. We believe the meaning of the gifts to be Christological. Gold is presented as representative of Jesus' kingship. Frankincense is a symbol of his divinity because priests burned the substance in the Temple. Myrrh, which was used to prepare the dead for burial, is offered in anticipation of Jesus' death.

The word Epiphany means "manifestation" or "showing forth." Historically several moments in Christ's early life and ministry have been celebrated as "epiphanies," including his birth in Bethlehem, the visit of the Magi, his baptism by St John, and his first miracle in Cana.

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