Living the Example of the Wise Kings

Rdgs: (1st: Ish 60, 1-6; Ps: 71, 1-2.7-13; 2nd: Eph3, 2-3.5-6; Gos: Mtt 2, 1-12)

This brief reflection was written by Rev. Fr. Njoku Canice Chukwuemeka, C.S.Sp. He is a Catholic Priest and a Member of the Congregation of the Holy Ghost Fathers and Brothers (Spiritans). He is currently working at the Sanctuario del Espiritu Santo, en Dorado, Puerto Rico, del Internacional Grupo Espiritano De Puerto Rico – Republica Dominicana. For more details and comments contact him on: canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com.

Today we celebrate the solemnity of Epiphany, and in a most special way the day of the three kings who brought Jesus the very costly and symbolic gifts of gold, Mire, and frankincense. The term Epiphany is of Greek origin, epiphaninen. It is a verb which means “to reveal,” or “to manifest”. It celebrates the many ways through which Jesus has revealed himself to us and our world. These include the three events that bring to light his mission and divinity: the visitation of the three kings or Magi (Mtt 2, 10-12), the baptism of Jesus (Mk 1, 9-11), and the miracle at Cana (Jh 2, 1-11).

So today, God reveals himself to us because he is good and loving. The light that shines forth upon us today is the light of life from which we ourselves must get our own light and reflect it unto others. Today the Lord Jesus Christ further extends and expands the horizon of his love to us by not being selfish. He allows himself to illumine the darkness of our lives. The lesson in all of these is that we must also make our lives better and allow the goodness that flows from us help others. We must brighten our light so that others can see with it as Christ illumines our way and life this New Year with his own light, life, divine presences and counsel.

The gospel of today from Matthew as we have seen in the drama presented to us by our youths and children is about the visitation of the three wise kings. They came to adore and offer gifts to the new born king, Jesus Christ. This gospel (and drama) is full of many lessons for us to learn. First, the three kings came to offer Christ a genuine worship as the King of kings. Therefore, our worship must be sincere and from our hearts like that of the three wise Kings. It must not be like the proposed of worship of Herod which was false.

Second, we must be ready to offer Jesus something. We must not appear before the Lord empty handed. So, we must ask ourselves today, what do I offer the Lord for his goodness to me? The only gift we must offer God for his goodness to us is ourselves, the gift of good live, the gift of love, the gift of obedience, the gift of humility, the gift of peace to our families and world, and the gift of sacrifice for one another. Also, we must learn to be generous to others as the three wise kings did to Jesus. Today (children), as you expect gifts from your parents try to be generous to others too especially towards your parents. Parents, let us also be generous towards our children today by giving them gifts as the wise kings gave to Jesus.

Third, another lesson that we must learn from the wise kings is that we must continue to follow the star and light that Christ shows us. That is, we must not allow ourselves be deceived or distracted on our journey by Herod. Trusting that God will not mislead or misguide us, we must continue to look out for his star and light in our lives and along the part of our journey to eternity.

Any time we are confused or come to the cross roads of life, we must seek and wait until the star of Christ appears to show us the way we must proceed. This is simply what we may refer to as divine guidance and counsel in our lives. Today therefore, we must ask God as the church prays: Father, guide us with your light. Help us to recognize Christ in the Eucharist and welcome him with love, for he is Lord forever and ever. Amen!

Long live King Jesus, Long live the wise kings!

Peace be with you!

Maranatha!!