These men We call magi
By Steve Martin
In the Gospel of Matthew the newborn Christ is visited by Magi from the East. The Magi followed a star in the sky to bring him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. They traveled a great
distance to adore the child and praise God. This story is well known to most Christians, but who are these men we call Magi? A quick study of the Magi’s example can guide us on a journey into the awesome power of faith.
Father William Saunders, Dean of the Notre Dame Graduate School of Christendom College and Pastor of Our Lady of Hope Parish in Sterling, Virginia, helps us gain some perspective on these strangers from the East. After exploring four possible definitions in the original Greek language and in light of the information written in Matthew’s Gospel, Fr. Saunders describes them as “Persian priest-astrologers who could interpret the stars, particularly the significance of the star that proclaimed the birth of the Messiah.”
Looking back on the Old Testament we see the visit of the Magi as a fulfillment of prophecy. In Numbers 24:17 Balaam reveals that a star will mark the coming of the Messiah. In Psalm 72:10-11 we read of Gentiles who will come to worship the Messiah. Issaiah 60:6 speaks of gold and
frankincense being brought before the Lord with praise.
The three gifts presented by the Magi in St. Matthew’s Gospel all have significant meaning. They reveal the identity of Jesus as the long awaited Messiah. Gold identifies Jesus as King. Frankincense testifies to Jesus’ divinity and priestly office. Mrryh, an ancient burial ointment, foreshadows Jesus’ death as the suffering servant.
Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar are the names tradition gives to the Magi. In the seventh century St. Bede wrote, “The Magi were the ones who gave gifts to the Lord. The first is said to have been Melchior, an old man with white hair and a long beard… who offered gold to the Lord as to a king. The second, Casper by name, young and beardless and ruddy complexioned… honored him as God by his gift of incense, an oblation worthy of divinity. The third, black skinned and heavily bearded, named Blathasar… by his gift of mrryh testified to the Son of Man who was to die.”
On this Feast of the Epiphany let’s be like the Magi. The bright light that drew the Magi to Christ still shines… not in the sky, but in the Church. As we follow the light of Christ’s Church we will be drawn close to the Lord.
Like the Magi we too can offer gifts once we are near to him. We may not have gold, frankincense, or mrryh to bring. Yet we can all offer prayer and good works. He can take our imperfect gifts and purify them. He can unite them to His work of salvation for the good of all people.
Let’s be sure to give adoration and praise to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Let’s honor him as our heavenly priest, prophet, and king. By His grace we can participate in the saving action of God as we journey through this life. How awesome is that?
http://catholiceducation.org/articles/religion/re0191.html