Matthew’s story of the birth of Jesus (2:1-12), which says nothing about a journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem or a birth in a stable as we find in Luke, focuses on two events: the decision of Joseph to heed God’s command and complete the process of taking Mary, now pregnant, as his wife; and the visit of Magi recorded in today’s Gospel. Following a star, the Magi arrive in Jerusalem searching for the newborn king of the Jews. Herod, appointed as a puppet king of Judea by the Romans, sends them to Bethlehem as part of his plot to get rid of a potential rival. They find the house where Jesus was with his mother Mary, pay him homage, give him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh, and, warned in a dream, they depart for their country without reporting back to Herod.
The story has touched the imagination of Christians throughout the centuries. Popular piety has turned the astrologers into kings and given them names: Balthasar, Melchior, and Gaspar. Their gifts have taken on symbolic significance: gold represents the kingship of Jesus; frankincense his priestly role; and myrrh his death.
For Matthew, the story made the fundamental point that Christ came to save Gentiles as well as Jews, that salvation is open to all, and that outsiders can discern divine revelation insiders miss. For us today there are many lessons to be learned from the Magi story: that life is a journey which requires perseverance; that evil forces threaten our spiritual progress; and that we should be attentive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit who lives within us.
Going beyond Matthew’s intended meaning, let the story of a star with a divine guidance system direct us to practice an “ecological spirituality” with fundamental admonitions. Respect the material world and its ability to reveal the power and splendor of God the Creator of all things visible and invisible. Recognize the imminent threat to planet earth posed by unchecked global warming and do our part to limit the emission of greenhouse gases. Prayerfully contemplate the immensity of the universe with its 2 trillion galaxies, some with hundreds of billions of stars. Offer Epiphany prayers of praise and gratitude to the Creator God for the beauty and splendor of the Earth, our common home.
About the Author
Fr. James J. Bacik has served as a priest of the Diocese of Toledo since his ordination in 1962. He is a widely regarded theologian, writer, lecturer and pastor who served as campus minister and adjunct professor of humanities at the University of Toledo for more than 30 years. Fr. Bacik is an AUSCP member. Visit his website at frjimbacik.org.