SECOND LESSON
Epiphany:
Or the Vocation of the Gentiles in the Person of the Magi.
"They offered him gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh."—ST. MATTHEW 2:2
Among the prophecies concerning the birth of our Lord, there was one which predicted that his coming on earth would be announced to the people of the East by a miraculous star. And so it came to pass, that shortly after the birth of Jesus Christ, rich and powerful princes of that part of the world, who were well acquainted with the science of the stars, and known by the name of Magi, saw in the skies, the light of a star shining out still more brightly than the others, and as yet utterly unknown to them. Remembering then the words of the prophets, and reckoning that it was just the time appointed for the coming of the Son of God, they started on their journey, in the direction of Judaea, and came to Jerusalem. On arriving at this town, their first question was: " Where is he that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the East, and are come to adore him." This news spread rapidly over Jerusalem, and came to the knowledge of King Herod. It troubled him much; for he imagined that the Son of God could not be other than a rich and powerful prince, who would strive to wrest his crown from him. Under the impulse of this feeling he called together the learned men of Jerusalem and asked them where it was that the Christ was to be born. Wicked Herod put this question to them, with the full intention to kill the infant king. The learned men answered that the prophecies declared the Christ was to be born at Bethlehem, a small town in Judaea. Then Herod called the wise men, and said to them: "Go, and diligently inquire after the child, and when you have found him, bring me word again, that I also may go and adore him." The wise men continued their journey towards Bethlehem, only they were not sure where to find the infant Jesus; and, behold, just as they left Jerusalem at their command, suddenly the brilliant star shone out once more before their astonished eyes. It seemed to go before them, till at last it stopped over the stable where the child was. On entering in, the wise men saw the beautiful infant Jesus with Mary his mother They prostrated themselves before Him in adoration, and offered him rich presents of gold and perfumes. Then they went back on their way home, very glad to have seen the Saviour; and just as they were returning to Herod, to give him an account of their journey, God, in a dream, told them to return to their country by another road. It is in commemoration of this event that the Church celebrates the feast of the Epiphany.
Of what use will this feast be to you, my children? It will remind you, that you also have a guide on the journey you are taking while travelling on earth. A star does not, it is true, shine on you from on high, but a light illumines you soul and guides it. Conscience awakens in you a love of virtue, wisdom, and points out all your duties, and this is the road, my children, the only sure one that brings us to Jesus Christ. Follow them as faithfully as the kings of whom the Gospel speaks today, the road which is marked out to you, go and offer the homage of your youthful hearts, to the new-born Saviour. This homage will be still more agreeable to him than the presents of the wise men: and if this morning you meet a little child, bestow your alms on him, in remembrance of the poor child of Bethlehem.
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