AletheiAnveshana

 

The Lord has made known his Salvation

Is 60:1-6 Eph 3:2-3a,5-6 Mt 2:1-12 (Epiphany)

The word Epiphany means “manifestation” or “showing forth.”  We also commemorate the three kings - Gaspar, Melchior, and Balthasar who worshipped the Lord Jesus offering their gifts. The Church considers the gifts they offered 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. However, it is manifested that God has decreed that all nations should be saved in Christ. Our salvation is in and through Christ Jesus.

History shows that Herod and his family became Jewish in order to rule in Palestine under the protection of Rome. So, Herod was always suspected by the Jews as being a Jew in name only, but not committed to Yahweh. In 40 BC the Roman Senate declared that Herod was vassal king in Palestine, answering ultimately to Rome. Herod spent most of his reign trying to protect himself from being overthrown.

Herod and the magi offer a study in contrasts. Herod was a Jew in name but a pagan in all things. The Magi were pagans in name, but acted like sincere Jews seeking the One who was the summit of God's plan for mankind. St. John of the Cross, would reflect on his own life in a way that was similar to the lives of the ancient magi as well as the lives of all who seek the Lord. It is very clear in the words of the Psalmist, “As a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you, O God” (Ps 42:1).

The three kings represent the Gentiles’ search for the savior. Because the Magi represent the entire world. They also represent our search for Jesus. Were the three kings wise? The Scripture calls them wise. Certainly, they were wise, wiser than any other. Because they were willing to leave their lands, their comforts, and journey to find the great King whose birth was announced by the star. They were wise in as much as they were seeking the Savior of the world leaving the worldly pleasures and luxuries.

We journey to God leaving everything and considering God alone is everything. But where exactly are we going to find Him? We really don't know!! He is in all and countless more places. If we are wise, we will spend our lives seeking him here and now, wherever he is. Yes, at times, we might find ourselves seeking him in the wrong place, like king Herod. We must have started a career that is wrong for us. We may have to break a relationship that is unhealthy for us. But if we are attune to God's Word, he will set us straight and direct us to the course we need to follow and complete.

The wise men followed the direction of the Scripture and went toward Bethlehem, having neither convoy nor encouragement of any company. If we desire to seek Christ we must resolve to go after him alone. At times he will renew directions and encouragement as they stand in need like the star which for a time disappeared, and appeared again to the magi. God supplies correct directions. Today our directing star is nothing but the word of God. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path”. (Ps 119:105). For he alone knows plans for us, for omur well-being and not for destruction (Jer 29:11). The Holy Spirit will guide us through the Word of God to our destiny destined by God in the Savior.