These winter days, light is in short supply. The days are at their shortest, and the weather its coldest. But in these long, dark nights when it is clear, we can see the stars. However bright they might be, they are a beautiful sight – a vibrant, twinkling, stark contrast to the night sky. Throughout human history the stars and the heavens have offered a tapestry of shapes and forms for stories and myths, and have provided maps for navigation and guidance. One star in particular takes center stage in today’s Gospel.
Matthew tells us that the Magi are overjoyed at seeing this star. They believe it will bring them to the newborn king of the Jews. We are not told in the Gospel how they came to determine that this star was the light that would lead them to him, nor the extent to which they understood him to bring salvation to the world, but we see how steadfast their faith is in its purpose. They journeyed far and brought gifts with them in order to pay homage to this child.
Saint Augustine calls the Magi “the first fruits of the Gentiles. The shepherds were Israelites, the Magi Gentiles; the first were near, the latter far off; yet both converged on the cornerstone” (Sermon 202). Even as people from far away, and not of the covenant, the Magi knew this star was about much more than the light it provided in the night sky. This was the star that illuminated the one who would finally cast out the darkness that seeped into the world; the one who would bring hope, justice, and mercy to those in great suffering; the one who entered into humanity to reveal God the Father so that we might find his kingdom. It is no wonder that the Magi are overjoyed at seeing this star!
This intuitive grasp of reality, the recognition of the essential truth of the birth of the newborn king, was an epiphany unlike any other in human history. The Church honors this with today’s celebration. This Epiphany, with a capital “E,” was the first manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles. It announced God’s salvation for all people. The Magi have been awakened to a new reality, and in encountering the Christ Child they are moved to pay him honor and homage.
As we near the end of this Christmas season, we can follow the example of the Magi and take great joy in what has been revealed to us. We have celebrated again the beauty of Christmas – that God the Father sent his Son to be with us and bring light to cast out the darkness of the world. Our salvation calls us to go out and share the Good News. The joy of the Christmas season cannot be contained in this season, but sends us out to share that light with others.
Soon we will give thanks for God’s revelation and saving love through the breaking of the bread. May this Eucharistic thanksgiving strengthen our joy, and allow it to be a light for others.
(Fr. Michał Pająk, OMI, Jan. 5, 2025)
