Originally published at National Catholic Register
User’s Guide to the Epiphany of the Lord
Sunday, Jan. 5, is the Epiphany of the Lord. Mass readings: Isaiah 60:1-6; Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13; Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6; Matthew 2:1-12.
There are so many wonderful details in the Epiphany story: the call of the Gentiles, their enthusiastic response, the significance of the star they seek, the gifts they bring, the dramatic interaction with Herod, and their ultimate rejection of Herod in favor of Christ.
The text says, “Behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.’”
Who were the Magi? Whether learned men, ancient astronomers or kings, this is their key identity: They are Gentiles who have been called. Up until this point in the Christmas story, only Jews had found their way to Bethlehem. This call completes the Church, which needs both Jews and Gentiles. St. Paul rejoices in this fact, saying, “the Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and co-partners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel” (Ephesians 3:6).
Notice that God calls them through something in the natural world:
