Isaiah 60:1-6 / Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6 / Matthew 2:1-12

We are in the Christmas Season and, on the second Sunday after Christmas, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord, a word in Greek that means manifestation. It is Jesus who reveals Himself as the Savior of all nations, represented by the Magi from the East.

Today the evangelist Matthew tells us that some Magi, upon seeing a star, knew about the birth of the King of the Jews and, leaving the East and heading to Bethlehem in Judea, came to do homage to the newborn and offer Him gifts. King Herod and the inhabitants of Jerusalem heard about this and were greatly troubled. The star had stopped at the house where Jesus was with Mary and Joseph. The Magi overjoyed. They prostrated themselves and did him homage, offering him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh, recognizing His royalty, humanity and divinity. Afterwards, the Magi departed for the East without informing Herod.

Those who sincerely seek the truth - like the Magi - will necessarily reach Jesus, who is the light that brings joy and enlightens all humanity. At this Christmas Season, with the Magi, let us worship the child and recognize that Jesus is king, man and God. Let us give the child Jesus the gift that He desires most: our hearts.

Today the prophet Isaiah tells us that the Lord appeared in Jerusalem as a light that shines in the darkness, and that nations and kings walk by its light. The prophet tells us that Jerusalem will have its heart throbing and overflowing when it sees camels and dromedaries arriving bearing gold and frankincense.

This prophecy by Isaiah certainly inspired the evangelist Matthew in the account of the visit of the Magi from the East to Jesus. Tradition calls them Gaspar, Balthazar and Melchior, coming from Midian, Ephah and Sheba. 

Today, the Apostle Paul tells us in his letter to the Ephesians that the Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and copartners in the promise in Christ Jesus, through the gospel. The Apostle tells us that other generations did not know this mystery, and that it has just been revealed by the Holy Spirit.

In fact, the salvation offered by God in Christ is not only for the Jews, but also for the Gentiles, that is, for all nations that open themselves to the gift of faith. This is why our Church is Catholic; that is, universal, for all peoples.

Local: Springfield, MA, EUA

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