Epiphany

 

In today's Gospel we hear of the Magi searching for the King of the Jews. These Magi were evidently not Jews, having been referred to by a word denoting Zoroastrian astrologer-priests from Persia. But why would magi undertake a long and arduous journey (almost two years in length!) just to find and give homage to another nation's king?

They wouldn't.

These magi recognized that this wasn't just any king but was the prophesied Messiah, the King of all! When they questioned Herod as to his whereabouts they evidently made clear that it was the Messiah they were looking for since Herod immediately asks the chief priests and scribes where the Messiah was to be born.

The magi are a reminder that the Messiah was not to be King of Israel alone but was indeed coming as King of all nations. The magi respond to this epiphany with an overflow of joy, eagerly seeking after the King, paying Him homage and giving Him rich gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Herod, on the other hand, responds in fear, killing countless children in the hopes of destroying the King who came to save him.

Christ our King has now been revealed to us. It is our time to respond to His coming. It is our decision, each of us must decide for him or herself. Will we respond with fear and hatred as did Herod, refusing to subject ourselves to the King of All, or will we respond with joy and gratitude, happily laying down the gift of ourselves before Him who was to lay down His life for us? Will we welcome Him with open hearts or will we close our hearts to Him and to the salvation He offers?

Who is your King?