Today we celebrate the Magi who come from the east to worship the newborn King of Israel. Imagine their surprise when they find the Child Jesus, messiah and king born in a stable. Our Savior was born as a humble, shepherd king. Nonetheless, these wise men bring Jesus gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Gold signified a gift worthy of a king, myrrh signified his mortality and frankincense his divinity. Let us offer Jesus the gold of our love, the myrrh of our mortality and the incense of our worship. In many parts of the world, especially in the east, gifts are exchanged on Epiphany, traditionally the 12th day of Christmas, in order to commemorate the gifts presented by the Magi. Perhaps to better celebrate this New Year 2019 we could present Jesus with the gift of our time in praying at the Adoration Chapel, volunteering service in works of mercy in the community, reconciling with enemies, ministering in the Church or the like. St. Paul said to the Ephesians 3:6 in today’s second reading, In Christ Jesus the Gentiles are now co-heirs with the Jews, members of the same body and sharers of the promise through the preaching of the gospel. As Jesus manifests love and blessing for the entire world at the Epiphany, may we bless others in return with our own gifts of love and peace. Rejoice! Jesus is born and made manifest in Bethlehem to the shepherds and the Magi. Come let us adore him!
- Pastor Msgr. Bennett J. Voorhies