Second Sunday in Ordinary Time Is 60:1-6; Ps 72; Eph 3:2-3A, 5-6; Mt 2:1-12
Even though it is included in only one Gospel account, the Epiphany of the Lord is an important part of the Christmas story. Most often the Magi mentioned in the Gospel appear in Christmas creches as kings with camels as their mode of transportation and are sometimes called astrologers or wisemen. They are the ones to whom O. Henry refers in the title of his wonderful Christmas story, “The Gift of The Magi.”
Early traditions held there were as many as 12; today there are usually three, representing the gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Most often they are included in creches as they are set up during the Advent season. Some folks have shared how their kings journey throughout their homes until they arrive at the stable on Epiphany. In our family tradition as in others, they go into our Christmas creches on the Feast of Epiphany.
The story of the Magi, or kings, is included to help us understand some important truths about our search for Jesus. Matthew tells us that when they reached their destination, “they entered the house where the child was.” They didn’t show up on Christmas day at the stable. They arrived at the house anywhere from a couple of months to as long as two years after his birth.
When Herod asked about the star and when it appeared, he ascertained that the child could be two years old based on the ancient tradition that a star appeared when a king was There are two movies — “The Fourth Wiseman” and “The Way” — that help me understand the journey of the wisemen to find Jesus. Coincidently, they both star Martin Sheen. “The Fourth Wiseman” is a story of Artaban, who misses the caravan of the other three, and his journey of years and great cost to find this great king heralded by the star. “
The Way” is the story of Tom and his journeys, one to complete the Camino and the other to find himself. He starts out alone but finishes both journeys with the help a group who become his friends.
Our search for God will not be a hundred- yard dash or even akin to a marathon. It will probably take some time and be more like the 500-mile pilgrimage of the Camino or take years like Artaban’s. While we may start the journey alone or be alone at times, there will be companions on the journey to help us and guide us.
Given the time, the Magi would have traveled in a caravan and had other people with them, especially if the journey was a long one. They gave up time, possibly years, and based on the gifts they brought and the cost of such a journey, they gave up great wealth. They were willing to give up these to find this great king.
Artaban gave up his fortune and years to find Jesus. Tom gave up time and personal costs, and shared his inner self with strangers to make his journeys. If we are to journey to find Jesus in earnest, we need to be prepared to give up things in our life. When we discover Jesus, they will be inconsequential.
Christmas is about the birth of Jesus our Lord, the King of Kings. Epiphany is about our journey to find this King in our lives.
What are we willing to give up in order to find Jesus and follow him?
Deacon Christopher Colville serves at Church of the Redeemer, Mechanicsville.