Rev. Peter M.J. Stravinskas: Solemnity of the Epiphany

The Biblical phrases come to mind readily today:

“Nations shall walk by your light.”

“Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.”

“Magi from the east arrived. . .to do him homage.”

“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.”

The Epiphany is the day for the Gentiles at the Crib.  In a sense, today’s reading from Matthew presents the entire Gospel in miniature, in terms how the message was received by different audiences.  Mary and Joseph represent the believing Jews; Herod, stiff-necked or faithless Jews; the Wise Men, Gentiles with open minds and hearts. A charming, ancient legend says that these Wise Men actually became the first Christian missionaries, meeting both success and failure among the Gentiles to whom they preached. …