Let us not forget the Solemnity of the Epiphany

The entire Christendom marks today the end of the Solemnity of the Epiphany, a traditional celebration of the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles and the visit of the Wise Men, or the Magi, to the Christ child. Many people ask what prompted the Magi, or the Three Wise Kings, to have a deep desire to leave everything and begin the journey from the East to look for the Child Jesus. The Magi comes from the Greek word magoi, transliterated from the Persian word referring to a select sect of priests, and rooted from the Latin word meaning “sage”.

 It is also the same root word for “magic”, the reason why the Magis were misconstrued to be magicians and sorcerers, rather than astrologers and skilled interpreters of dreams, especially in finding the Christ. They are a hereditary priesthood of the Medes, known for their profound wisdom and knowledge, particularly in the sciences. From this sacred caste of the Medes also came great dreamers such as Darius the Great and the biblical prophet, Daniel, who was fed to lions in the den, but went out unscathed, and who was also given the title Rab-mag, the Chief of the Magi. The Magi, being experts also in astrology, saw an extraordinary brilliant star rising in the East, “around which the sun, moon and other stars formed a chorus” (Letter of the Apostle Paul to the Ephesians, Chapter 19). The wise men followed the star to Bethlehem of Judea, and to where Jesus lay in a manger. Before this Daniel had a Messianic vision that the “Savior of the world”, the Messiah, will be announced by a “star”. He had entrusted this vision to a secret sect of the Magi because he knew this would be fulfilled in due time.          

The Epiphany also refers to the Adoration of the Kings. Immediately upon arriving in the infant Jesus’ dwelling, the Three Kings worshipped Him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. The gifts symbolize the deity of Jesus, who God is and what He did and taught. Gold symbolizes his Kingship as this precious metal was given to royalty. Myrrh foretells the sacrificial death of Jesus; it was one of the burial spices used on Christ’s body many years later. It also foretells His ministry as the Great Healer. Frankincense symbolizes the divinity and priesthood of Christ. Incense, used in worship by ancient Jews and Greeks, was believed to carry prayers to heaven. These expressions embody the “epiphany” of the Magi, after they encountered the Messiah and understood His birth was the start of the fulfillment of His divine role here on earth.                            

Various customs and traditions have evolved from the introduction of the Epiphany since the third century. Most significant to me was the exchanging of gifts “of Christian character” to honor the solemnity of the feast, gifts that express piety and were not extravagant, luxurious or wasteful; and, the blessing of homes on whose lintels are inscribed the Cross of salvation, together with the year and the initials of the Three Wise Men “C+M+B”, Caspar, Melchor and Balshazzar, which was also interpreted to mean “Christus Mansionem Benedicat” (Christ Bless This Home), written with blessed chalk.

The Casino Espanol of Manila fastidiously celebrates the Feast of the Three Kings every year. Three of its members dress up as the Three Kings and riding on horses, they distribute gifts to the poor. Few in our generation remember that this used to be a solemn holiday that was part of the Christmastide, the “twelfth day of Christmas”. By recalling these practices and traditions, we understand why changes today tend to denigrate society rather than improve in character.  

Today, I wish to inspire my readers to reflect on the solemnity of these celebrations, not in any way be pharisaical or fanatically religious, but to bring out in them and the families of today the spiritual values that serve to strengthen our characters and hence, the moral fiber of the nation as a whole. 

Likewise, tomorrow, when thousands of devotees again flock to celebrate the Feast of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo, may their minds be filled only with adoration and worship for God as they lift up their individual supplications. May their worship be like the Magi’s epiphany, a realization of God’s divinity that deserves pure and solemn exultation and a genuine expression of faith.