The celebration of the Epiphany varies greatly among the many different
Christian traditions and cultures. Originating from the Easter Church
in the fourth century, the celebration of the Epiphany ranks third in
importance, behind Easter and Pentecost. While the celebration was
accepted by the Western Church in the fifth century, its celebration has
varied over history, but still remains an important part of our
Christmas season.
Isaiah 60:1-6
Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13
Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6
Matthew 2:1-12
Our first reading comes from the later chapters of Isaiah, referred to as Trito-Isaiah or "third" Isaiah. As with the other post Babylonian Exile prophecies, we see a vision of Jerusalem as a shining beacon to all the nations. These nations both near and far, will bring their riches as tribute. The significance of the gifts of gold and frankincense as mentioned in this prophecy are not lost on Matthew when we get to his Gospel.
Our Psalm reflects similar sentiments only instead of focusing on Jerusalem, we focus on the King and his Son. To the ancients, king and country were one in the same, but to our Christian ears, the justice and mercy shown by the Son help us to draw a line from these ancient prophecies straight to Jesus, the Christ.
While our first readings give us a vision of a new kingdom, who gets to be part of this new Kingdom? Our second reading from Paul's letter to the Ephesians tells us. Here Paul states clearly and unambiguously that salvation through Christ is open to everyone. There was some question in the early Church as to whether you had to be a Jew (or become Jewish) to be accepted as a follower of Christ. This revelation, this epiphany from Paul, who had been a Pharisee and devout follower of Jewish Law, demonstrates the profound nature of his message... that Christ's saving light isn't just for some people, but for all people.
As is fitting for this celebration of the Epiphany, our gospel is the story of the Maji. In a story that is unique to Matthew's gospel we have the fulfillment of the ancient prophecy... that all nations will come to see Jerusalem and her king (and his son) as a beacon of light. The Maji in our story represent these foreign nations, and in case we're not sure, Matthew takes care to note that they offered gifts of gold and frankincense as was noted in our first reading. But while these foreigners are able to recognize Jesus as this king of prophecy, we are told that King Herod and all the Jewish people were greatly troubled, as if to ask, "what is it that they see that we can't?" Matthew's story is meant to help us make the distinction between being guided by fear and jealousy or being guided by God and the prophets.
Final Thoughts:
The Maji in our gospel represent one of the important revelations of the Epiphany... that these foreign nations could recognize Jesus as a king, and fulfilling the prophecies that all nations would see his people as a beacon of light. But that's only part of the story. The second revelation of the Epiphany is what we heard from Paul in our second reading... that the salvation of Christ is available to everyone, both Jew and Gentile. For you see, it's one thing to recognize Jesus as a King, but it's quite another to realize that we all can be part of his kingdom.
Isaiah 60:1-6
Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13
Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6
Matthew 2:1-12
Our first reading comes from the later chapters of Isaiah, referred to as Trito-Isaiah or "third" Isaiah. As with the other post Babylonian Exile prophecies, we see a vision of Jerusalem as a shining beacon to all the nations. These nations both near and far, will bring their riches as tribute. The significance of the gifts of gold and frankincense as mentioned in this prophecy are not lost on Matthew when we get to his Gospel.
Our Psalm reflects similar sentiments only instead of focusing on Jerusalem, we focus on the King and his Son. To the ancients, king and country were one in the same, but to our Christian ears, the justice and mercy shown by the Son help us to draw a line from these ancient prophecies straight to Jesus, the Christ.
While our first readings give us a vision of a new kingdom, who gets to be part of this new Kingdom? Our second reading from Paul's letter to the Ephesians tells us. Here Paul states clearly and unambiguously that salvation through Christ is open to everyone. There was some question in the early Church as to whether you had to be a Jew (or become Jewish) to be accepted as a follower of Christ. This revelation, this epiphany from Paul, who had been a Pharisee and devout follower of Jewish Law, demonstrates the profound nature of his message... that Christ's saving light isn't just for some people, but for all people.
As is fitting for this celebration of the Epiphany, our gospel is the story of the Maji. In a story that is unique to Matthew's gospel we have the fulfillment of the ancient prophecy... that all nations will come to see Jerusalem and her king (and his son) as a beacon of light. The Maji in our story represent these foreign nations, and in case we're not sure, Matthew takes care to note that they offered gifts of gold and frankincense as was noted in our first reading. But while these foreigners are able to recognize Jesus as this king of prophecy, we are told that King Herod and all the Jewish people were greatly troubled, as if to ask, "what is it that they see that we can't?" Matthew's story is meant to help us make the distinction between being guided by fear and jealousy or being guided by God and the prophets.
Final Thoughts:
The Maji in our gospel represent one of the important revelations of the Epiphany... that these foreign nations could recognize Jesus as a king, and fulfilling the prophecies that all nations would see his people as a beacon of light. But that's only part of the story. The second revelation of the Epiphany is what we heard from Paul in our second reading... that the salvation of Christ is available to everyone, both Jew and Gentile. For you see, it's one thing to recognize Jesus as a King, but it's quite another to realize that we all can be part of his kingdom.
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