EPIPHANY OF THE LORD - Matthew 2:1-12
The world may be going through difficult moments and we may be afraid that there is no way out of the mess we are in. Indeed, as the prophet Isaiah tells us “night covers the earth, and darkness the peoples.” The situation we live in seems to be hopeless. In spite of recognising it, Isaiah makes a proclamation full of hope, founded on God’s promise. Isaiah is never discouraged by the difficulties and sufferings that surround him. He does not allow himself to remain closed within the narrow walls of the present but always looks further into the future. Even though the world is overwhelmed with despair, he remains confident, because “for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.” And he announces to Jerusalem an extraordinary time when the people will walk to this light, and “nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.” “The abundance of the sea shall be turned to you,
the wealth of the nations shall come to you. A multitude of camels shall cover you, the young camels of Midian and Ephah; all those from Sheba shall come. They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall bring good news, the praises of the Lord.” (Is 60:1-6). The prophet Isaiah presents clearly a universalist perspective of salvation.
In his letter to the Ephesians (Ep 3:2-3,5-6), Paul gives the meaning of the promise made by God in the prophet Isaiah: God's plan of salvation includes all peoples without exception. The Gentiles - that is, all non-Jews - are the object of the same promise as the Jews: they are part of the same body and will receive the same inheritance as the Jews. God has a plan of salvation for all and he does not exclude anyone from that plan. And Paul presents himself as being called to make explicit this universal design of God.
With the story of the magi, Matthew presents graphically the same statement of God's universal plan: he calls everyone to meet Christ and find life and salvation in him. In the coming of the Magi, Matthew saw the fulfilment of Isaiah's prophecy, in which foreign peoples come from afar to the Light with joy. In the Magi, we see the longing that has led them to an intense search and a restless journey to meet Him who is the light of the nations. Certainly, we can appreciate their effort, persistence and courage that did not allow them to give up. In the hardest moments of their journey, when the star seemed to have disappeared, they asked for help, receiving it from those who, in suspicion and fear, would become Jesus’ enemies. They were being guided by the star of faith and hope that the Spirit of God had brought forth in their hearts. The feast of the Epiphany celebrates the manifestation of Jesus to the Gentiles, represented by the Magi, which tradition has made kings. Christ is recognised as the Saviour of all peoples, and all peoples come to Him by offering the best and the most valuable that they have. To Him belongs honour and praise and glory.
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