Numerous myths and legends speculate about the identity, number and vocation of the pilgrims from the east Matthew calls “wise men.” Whether they were astrologers or astronomers, priests, philosophers or magicians, their wisdom is evident in recognizing the presence and person of Jesus Christ as the epiphany-a Greek word meaning manifestation-of life in all the fullness of humanity for which God conceived, created and called all people. The exotic foreigners received the gifts of their own potential fullness of life and humanity in their offering of gifts to the Christ child in humble homage to the sovereignty of God.
Whoever you and I may be, butcher, baker, or candlestick maker, we have been reconciled to God through the divine humanity of Jesus Christ in us, with us, for us and among us. Today, on this first Sunday of a new year, we have the privilege to join the wise ones of every generation who follow the heavenly light leading us into the house of God, whose epiphany in Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of history, and whose worship is the fulfillment of our humanity.
Faithful God, as you led wise men from the east into the presence of the Christ child by the light of a star, lead us to the overwhelming joy of your eternal worship in his divine presence. Amen. — PL