Gospel: Matthew 2: 1-12
The mini-season of Epiphany has us remember three distinct manifestations of the Divine mystery in the world. Each of these manifestations brings with them an epiphany, an awareness and a realization for our own lives. Today we reflect on the visit of the Magi to the manger at Bethlehem - astrologers from a foreign country who find their way to the presence of the Lord in our world. What can this mean for us today?
The Magi were not members of the chosen People. They were not conversant with the Jewish scriptures or tradition. Yet, through their own culture and understanding, they are guided by that knowledge to discover the mystery of the Lord in our world. Upon discovering it, they do not say anything at all. They simply offer their gifts and their own presence to the scene, honoring the mystery with their silence. Then, they too will be led by God through dreams just as Joseph had, and they are led back home safely.
God's mystery is made known to us in all sorts of ways and to all sorts of people. God speaks to other people in their tradition just as in ours. In all these ways of the mystery coming to be discovered, it leads us to the same place, and it invites the same response from us: to honor the mystery with our presence and silence, to offer our humble gifts to the service of God and others. Today we are invited to reflect on how God is manifest in our lives, and how we will respond with our gifts and service to others.
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