The magi - or "wisemen," as we call them - didn't know what they would find when they headed West. They saw a star and interpreted it as meaning that a new king of the Jews born - but they set out into mystery.
This was more than visiting a new leader - a star doesn't appear to announce the birth of just any king and you don't travel to a foreign land every time a new political power shows up. They sought something more, something greater - and they found what they were seeking in the child Jesus.
This is what we celebrate on today's feast of the Epiphany - the manifestation (or appearance) of Jesus as the Messiah promised to Israel, but more than that - as the savior for the world. (CCC 528)
That is what St. Paul tells us in he second reading from Ephesians and it's what the prophet Isaiah alluded to in today's first reading: that Jesus came for all of humanity. God first revealed Himself to the Israelites and made a covenant with them, but that relationship is now opened to everyone in Jesus. He's the Messiah, the heir to the throne of David - seated with His queen mother, as most of the kings that followed David were - but He draws in these foreigners to worship the one true God.
The gifts of the magi represent all of that: gold represents Jesus' kingship; frankincense, which was used in worship just like we use it, shows Jesus' divinity; and myrrh - used for anointing the dead - points out His humanity and His ultimate sacrifice on the cross.
This Epiphany, this revelation of Jesus, tells us two very important things:
First, it says something about us. Those wisemen, the first of a whole flood of humanity, come to Jesus not because of politics or power, not because they were forced into it or out of a fear of punishment, but out of sheer wonder. Their hearts were moved by the possibility of something amazing.
Where is our wonder?
St. Gregory of Nyssa said that, "only wonder leads to knowing." That's what should be at the heart of our faith: wonder that the God who made the universe came to be one of us so that He could deliver us from sin. Wonder that He loves us enough to die for us. And wonder that He continues to give Himself to us.
About halfway through the Eucharistic prayer, after saying the very words that Jesus spoke at the Last Supper, the priest says or sings, "The mystery of faith."
Have you ever thought about what that means?
What that says is: look! Here is the mystery of our faith! God has just become present on this altar in this church in St. Clairsville, Ohio under the form of bread and wine! And we are going to receive Him!
Wonder at that mystery should drive us to know and love God more and more each day.
But it should also drive us to share the mystery that has been revealed to us. What drew the wisemen from their home was, whether they knew it or not, the call of God. That call is still here. God is still inviting all people to know Him and His love. A desire for that love is built into the heart of every human being that is born on this Earth.
If we have experienced that love, it is our duty, our responsibility, and our privilege to tell people about it. We do that by living our Faith as joyful, committed, serious Catholics; and by being ready and willing to tell people why we live this way.
Don't be afraid. If we trust God and live our faith, He will use us. We just have to cooperate and step out with courage.
God has revealed Himself to us: let us accept that love with joy and invite the world to join in the mystery.
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