Father Nicholas Nelson: The Magi — a model for us all!

Handing on the Faith 

One of the church’s greatest solemnities is the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord. The Epiphany actually consists of three events: the visit of the magi, Jesus’ baptism by St. John in the Jordan river, and his first miracle at the wedding at Cana. The antiphon for the Magnificat for vespers for the Epiphany makes this clear: “Three mysteries mark this holy day: today the star leads the Magi to the infant Christ; today water is changed into wine for the wedding feast; today Christ wills to be baptized by John in the river Jordan to bring us salvation.” 

We don’t automatically associate the Wedding at Cana and Jesus’ Baptism at the Jordan with the Epiphany, but when we consider the meaning of “Epiphany,” it makes sense. In Greek, “epiphainen” means “to shine upon,” or “to manifest,” or “to make known.” Jesus is made known to the non-Jewish world when the magi visit. Jesus is made known to the world as God’s Son after his baptism when the Father says from above, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased” (Mark 1:11). Jesus is revealed to the world as having divine power with his first miracle at Cana. 

The event most associated with the Solemnity of the Epiphany is the visit of the magi. That is the Gospel that is read at Mass for the solemnity. Pertaining to this awesome event, we read in Sacred Scripture, “When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem” (Matthew 2:1). 

Since the time of Christ, people have been trying to figure out who exactly these guys were — magi, in Greek “magoi.” First of all, we assume there were three of them, but that is only because they brought three gifts. Scripture doesn’t say how many. They could be understood to be members of the Persian priestly caste. They could have been ancient wise men specializing in astrology, dream interpretation, and magic. Were they kings, as foretold in the Psalms? “May the kings of Tarshish and of the coastlands render him tribute; may the kings of Sheba and Seba bring gifts!” (Ps 72:10). 

In any case, this much is clear, they were “wise” in the truest sense in that they were seekers of truth. Pope Benedict XVI puts it this way, “They were people of inner unrest, people of hope, people on the lookout for the true star of salvation. The men of whom Matthew speaks were not just astronomers. They were ‘wise.’ They represent the inner dynamic of religion toward self-transcendence, which involves a search for truth, a search for the true God” (Jesus of Nazareth, The Infancy Narratives). It is impossible that they would have noticed the star and set off on that arduous journey unless they were already seeking and open to truth being revealed to them. 

In this way, the magi express the reality present within each of us. First, we are all made for the truth. We are hardwired to seek it. God gave us an intellect, the object of which is truth. Second, the magi represent the full potential of our natural capacity, that we are at our best when we actively choose to seek the truth. “Truth will set you free” (John 8:32). Finally, the magi give evidence to the goal of being open and searching for truth, which is ultimately the adoration and worship of the God-man, Jesus Christ. St. Matthew tells us, “They prostrated themselves and did him homage” (Matthew 2:11). 

The Catholic Church has said, “On their part, all men are bound to seek the truth, especially in what concerns God and His Church, and to embrace the truth they come to know, and to hold fast to it” (Declaration on Religious Freedom, Dignitatis Humanae, 1965). No one can be forced into religion or a particular religion, but all are obligated due to our human nature to seek the truth. Our human dignity demands that we use our God-given intellect and reason to seek and find the truth. If people don’t reach heaven, it won’t be necessarily because they didn’t become Catholic, it will be because they didn’t use what God gave them to seek him and find him and his church. It’ll be because they didn’t take their existence seriously. 

Many people are just floating through life, going from one diversion to another with no true transcendent purpose or mission. They aren’t seeking the truth. If they would, they would not only find truth but The Truth, which isn’t a what but a “who.” A who is personal and loves them and wants them to begin to share in his very own divine life now, which will endure for all eternity. 

Following the example of the magi, we are called to seek truth, and when we find him, we prostrate ourselves and do him homage, we offer him worship in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. And then we follow him even if it is to the cross. Because as the cross was Christ’s way to back to the glory of heaven, our crosses — whatever God asks of us — are also our way to heaven! 

Father Nick Nelson is pastor of Queen of Peace and Holy Family parishes in Cloquet and vocations director for the Diocese of Duluth. He studied at The Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family in Rome. Reach him at [email protected].