Gifts of the Magi

Bible verse:
"And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them" (Matthew 2: 1-12)

Inspiration:
One of the most popular gift items this Christmas season was the branded gift cards on display at department stores, bookstores, supermarkets, drug stores and, yes, Starbucks. The cards are a multi-billion dollar a year business growing at a double-digit rate. There are even Web sites where you can trade a gift card you don’t want for one you can use at a store where you shop.

Faced with the frustrating task of trying to buy presents for people who have everything, shoppers simply opt to give a gift card and let the others choose their own presents. The cards have become a trendy symbol of purchasing power, but 10% to 15% of them are never fully redeemed.

This weekend, we are reminded of symbolic gifts that were fully redeemed as we celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany or “the light of the world.” Following a bright star, three wise men have come to pay homage to the King of Kings and Lord of lords. In paying tribute to the infant Jesus, they present Him with three symbolic gifts that He will one day fully redeem.

Gold is given in anticipation of the day when Jesus will mount His throne in the heavenly kingdom. Frankincense is given as a symbol of Jesus’ priesthood, a role He will fulfill when He offers up the ultimate sacrifice. Myrrh is given because it is used in embalming, a sign that Jesus will one day conquer death on the cross.

Tradition has it that the wise men were Magi from Persia, which would mean that they had traveled more than 1,200 miles bearing their gifts. This weekend, each of us might pause to consider how far we are prepared to go in paying homage to the One who gave 100% for us.

Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.