January 7 - Epiphany of Our Lord
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The gospel for Epiphany is the famous story of the Magi or Wise Men following a star to Bethlehem to find the newborn King of the Jews. Epiphany means “appearance” or “revelation”, and that is what the story of the Magi is about.
As he does throughout the Gospel of Matthew, the author, presumably a Jewish follower of Jesus, is eager to present him as the fulfillment of the dreams and hopes of his people, as expressed by the great prophets. In today’s reading our author recalls the words of Micah: “And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; since from you shall come a ruler, who is to shepherd my people Israel.”
But this King of the Jews was destined to do so much more than lead the people of Israel. In the first reading for Epiphany, Isaiah 60:1-6, the prophet portrays Jerusalem, representing God’s chosen people, as a light for all humanity. “Nations shall walk by your light, and kings by your shining radiance.” The story of the Magi, the first Gentiles to seek out Jesus, is a perfect illustration of these words from Isaiah.
The great Star of Bethlehem has intrigued people ever since Matthew’s gospel was written. (In recent times there have been efforts to determine what the Magi might actually have seen). But following a star is a beautiful image for following our true destiny, what God wants for us. In this new year, it would be very good for us to think and pray about the star we are following. Is it the star that will lead us to Jesus?
Sheryl Zabel
