Mt. 2:1-12
Today we commemorate the feast of epiphany of the Lord, wherein we celebrate his kindness that made him took flesh and identified himself with humanity. The magi visited the Lord as the representatives of the entire world. They were authentic seekers of God. Their search for God was not limited by a particular ideology, religious faith, culture or boundary. Their entire being was open to the manifestation of God. That’s why they could decode the sign of the special star that appeared in the sky. Normally, this is the time sky would be clear and the most suitable time to observe the stars. At this time, we could observe millions of stars that appear on the sky.
The magi recognized the appearance of a special star, believed to be the Star of a great king. Many might have seen the appearance of this special star, might have thought about it, studied about it, Anyhow, only these three people decided to follow it. I don’t consider it as a natural instinct or coincidence but the grace of God that exists; all those who seek him with a sincere heart, he reveals himself to them.
We all know that the journey in those early centuries was not that so comfortable like today, yet they undertake this difficult journey, even risking their own life due to factors like unfavorable climatic conditions, war, robbers and above all the challenges of the desert.
It is true that they came to see the king of Jews, that’s why they ended up in King Herod’s place. In the end, they arrive at the manger. I believe this is the most significant moment of their search why because they began their search for a king and now that search ended up in a helpless babe. Nevertheless, they could sense that this poor little child is the king of Jews.
When we analyze from a rational perspective they would have had ample reasons to doubt the identity of the child as the king of Jews. However, they were not carried away by this doubt. This is clearly manifested in the offering of the gifts. Whatever they carried for the child, they wholeheartedly surrender at his feet. Now like Simeon, they too are contented because they have seen the salvation of the entire human race with their eyes. This lifetime encounter caused an inner transformation in them, they began this search out of curiosity but now they are convinced of their cause.
Now, they could perceive the promptings of the spirit they take a new life. As we celebrate this great feast, let us encounter the manifestation of God in our underprivileged brethren; For Jesus said I was hungry, naked, prisoner, sick…( Mt.25.31-46) Let us share our gifts with them like magi, and whenever we did it to the least of our brethren we did it for him.